Enjoy happiness; treasure joy.

Happiness is a pretty hot commodity these days. Ask someone what he wants out of life, and chances are he will say, “I just want to be happy.” Happiness is okay, and it’s nice to have, but we need to understand that happiness comes and goes because it’s dependent on our emotions. If we feel good, we’re happy. Simple as that. When people say, “I just want to be happy,” they are really saying, “I just want to feel good all the time.”

News flash! Life isn’t like that. Life is ups and downs and emotions all over the place. No one can feel good all the time. That’s why we need to seek joy rather than happiness. Happiness is on the surface, joy is deep. Happiness is temporary, joy abides. Happiness comes from the things of this world, joy comes from God.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again–rejoice! Philippians 4:4