HAPPINESS OR JOY - WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

●    happiness - happenings; joy - even in sorrow

JOY IN GOD’S GREATNESS

●    God still in control despite disaster through Assyrians
●    praise God for greatness / exalted / strength: trustworthy
●    instead of anxiety, let God’s peace guard your hearts
●    rejoice “in the Lord” - even when mobbed and beaten
●    humble can rejoice: pride the pin bursting joy’s bubble
●    joy commits to God’s way not our own

JOY IN GOD’S SAVING ACTS

●    what God has done to save us: Jesus turned away God’s anger from believers
●    with joy draw (living) water from well – Holy Spirit / Lamb
●    Paul content in any circumstance through Christ’s strength

JOY IN DEMONSTRATED CHRISTIAN LOVE

●    joy for Paul in gifts sent by Philippians
●    joy through concern / obedience to love-command seeking outlet

PARADOX: JOY IN SUFFERING

●    Habakkuk: joy even when no sheep in the pen, fields barren
●    early church: rejoicing when suffered flogging / confiscation of goods

UNWRAPPING JOY: ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS...

●    material presents can bring temporary happiness; Father’s presence brings lasting joy