A Dependable Car
God’s Word doesn’t say a whole lot about happiness. In the world, everything tells us to be happy. Indeed, every advertisement, in some way, tells us that we can be happier if we use their product. The problem with happiness is that it depends on what happens.
Imagine that you have a car that only works when the sun is shining. So, on sunny days, you get to drive your car, but on cloudy days, rainy days, and snowy days, you have to leave your car in the garage. I don’t think you would want to pay $30,000 for a car like that! You need something better. You need a car you can rely on, regardless of weather conditions.
Happiness is like a sunshine-only car. It’s not reliable, but true joy comes from Jesus. God’s Word is full of promises of joy for those who have put their faith in Jesus and surrendered their lives to Him. Joy is more than a promise; it’s one of the characteristics of the fruit of the Holy Spirit!
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23
The Holy Spirit lives in every believer, and He imparts to us an impenetrable joy. The apostle Peter wrote:
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, - 1 Peter 1:8
God’s joy that He gives to His children is quite remarkable. Our joy is not of this world. As we’ve seen, joy comes from the Holy Spirit, God Himself. And when we look into God’s Word, we find joy in heaven. For example, Jesus said:
Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. - Luke 15:7
Yes, we can find Scriptures about happiness (Genesis 30:13), but it’s God’s joy that is dependable in every kind of weather! And remember, live for Jesus. That’s what matters!