Just a Minute Devotional #40
Happiness vs joy
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11, NIVUK)
My husband and I recently sold our home of 28 years. We had accumulated a collection of stuff and were forced to downsize. It reminded me of Marie Kondo in her television show, Tidy Up. We had to discard things that no longer sparked joy.
I discovered something; The less I owned, the less the burden.
What is most important, happiness or joy? Happiness depends on our everyday emotions, which result from happenings. Yes, a new pair of shoes might bring temporary happiness, but does it bring joy?
Joy is deeper and more consistent than happiness.
What are our joy-steeling culprits— bad habits, fear, conflicts, bitterness, anger, or unforgiveness? Maybe unfinished projects or overcommitment is becoming a hardship.
Let Christ dig deep and reveal those things of burden.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:23, NLT)
Like our recent move, we packed up our boxes of clutter and removed them. When we discard the things that no longer spark joy and give them to the Lord, He will replace them with contentment grounded in joy.
Dearest Christ, come into my life and reorganize, declutter, and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Amen.
