I think one of the factors as to why we are in the spiraling spiritual milieu we are experiencing these days, is our collective lack of understanding between the difference between happiness and joy.
At their simplest, happiness can be defined as a feeling of pleasure and contentment, and joy is the feeling of "great pleasure and happiness." ... But the feelings really aren't similar at all.
Happiness is about one's self pleasure, a measurement of one's contentment in the material world in a specific moment. And if we're truly honest, it's often fleeting. Here today; gone tomorrow.
Whereas, joy ... now that is the elation we feel when something or someone satisfies something deeper in us, such as pleasing our soul or touching our very deep emotional well being. And, frankly, joy gives us much greater personal capital than happiness ever will.
When asked, I think it's helpful to think of joy as wealth, and to think of happiness as money. One you tend to own and can pass on to others; the other you can't wait to spend and is entirely fleeting.
But, as with so many other rope-a-dope's our society's current culture has pulled on us, we've been convinced that grabbing the quick cash will bring us instantaneous happiness, a fast adrenaline shot to our current mood.
Whereas, the practice and patience it takes to build wealth (i.e. joy) is seen as too much work and not enough immediate satisfaction. ... We are Americans after all. And quicker and faster seem to be the most important factors by which we judge something's value.
Scripture tells us differently, of course.
This week's lectionary includes Psalm 111 among its readings. I think it is a great example of how the attitude of joy situates us to take on the world:
1 Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of honor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
Yes, there are psalms of lament as well, but in this particular selection, the psalmist gives praise to the Lord with their "whole heart" because "great are the works of the Lord." It reminds us that even during our darkest days, our loving and compassionate God has done much on our behalf. And to see that, for most of us, all we have to do is take a look around us at our loved ones, our homes and the clothes in our closets.
Later, the psalmist reminds us that the ever-loving Creator provides us food, is "ever mindful of his covenant" to abide with us and has redeemed us, thus justifying us in his sight. ... In other words, despite what may trouble us in the moment, most of the time we have very good reason to be grateful for all that God provides us.
This is joy, and knowing the difference between it and happiness is a vital skill as a faithful person. ... Granted, happiness in itself isn't necessarily bad. Just as in our analogy above, money isn't bad either. ... But wealth, now there is a foundation on which to build your life. And our personal wealth is Joy!
I was thinking about all of this on my ride into work this morning when I heard a new country song by artist Larry Fleet called "Things I Take for Granted." ... I know that many old-timers like me have some choice thoughts about what passes for country today, but I find Fleet an old-timey throwback sort of artist, and I've enjoyed several of his releases. (Bonus tip: check out his song "Where I Find God"!)
In this newest song, while acknowledging in his first verse that a little more money or newer truck or "more deer meat" in the freezer wouldn't be bad, Fleet responds by adding: "But even on the hard days, Man, I can't complain." ... In other words, he knows what he has, and he's grateful for it.
In the chorus he lists "still living and breathing," still liking his job, and a family that loves him as reasons that his life is full. And he adds that: "I'm the Webster definition of what a lucky man is, when I take a look at all the things I take for granted."
That, my friends, is knowing the difference between joy and happiness ... a life lesson served up in a country song!
Look, Fleet's song isn't a deep thinker. It's rather simple, in fact. Just two verses, and three repetitions of the chorus, but it's catchy and makes me smile. It was the perfect singalong on my way into work as I thought about just how blessed I am.
"Praise the Lord! ... I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart!" ... indeed!
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