I Remain: Joy in Christ

Do you know the difference between happiness and joy? Happiness is defined as "The state of being happy." Happiness is about being content and having pleasure. Joy is different. Joy is defined as "A feeling of great pleasure and happiness." Anyone can be happy, but not everyone finds true joy.

A former independent Baptist pastor, Jack Hyles said, "Happiness is untested delight. Joy is delight tested.

The greatest joy we can find is that found in Christ. Jesus continues speaking to his disciples in John 15, saying, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."

Jesus spent time with His disciples. He not only told them how to follow Him, but He showed them how. He spoke about trusting in Him and not being afraid while a raging storm threatened their lives. Yet, Jesus commanded the storm to stop, and it did.

Jesus spoke about how He is "The way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) while showing that He can raise a dead man to life. Jesus spoke about being a healer while He took sickness away from people.

Anyone can be happy, but it takes genuine trust in Jesus and His Words to say you have joy. Jesus showed the disciples His power and told them of His glory. Thankfully, He does the same in our lives. We remain joyful in difficult times when we remain in Christ. He has shown us these things so we may find joy in Him.

Sources: NIV Study Application Bible, Bible Ref, The Pastor's Workshop, Oxford Online Dictionary