ATTITUDE
We tend to equate "Happiness" with "Joy", but they are surprisingly different things. Much of what we do is driven by a deep (and very human) desire for happiness. The very word "happiness" evokes memories of unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning, strolling hand-in-hand with the one you love, being surprised on your birthday, a comedian that makes you laugh so hard that you cry, or a long-awaited vacation in some exotic location. But happiness is also elusive and temporary - it depends on our current circumstances. Many times the intense happiness of a moment is followed by the emotional crash of returning to a mundane day-to-day existence. It's "real-life", right?
From the Helps in my bible: In contrast to happiness stands Joy. Running deeper and stronger, joy is the quiet, confident assurance of God's patient and unending love and work in our lives - that he will be there no matter what! Happiness depends on circumstances, but Joy depends on Christ. One of Pastor Todd's recent sermons was titled "Attitude" and touched on this subject. New Year's resolutions are generally designed to change something that will (theoretically) bring some measure of happiness and satisfaction, but they are frequently abandoned within a matter of weeks. Maybe we focus on the wrong things?? (ya THINK?!) True happiness is the inner-joy we can only get from the Holy Spirit through a direct relationship with Jesus Christ. Witness the apostle Paul writing a letter to the Philippians from prison as he awaited trial and persecution.
From the Helps in my bible: Philippians is Paul's joy letter. The church in that Macedonian city had been a great encouragement to Paul. The Philippian believers had enjoyed a very special relationship with Paul, so he wrote them a personal expression of his love and affection. They had brought him great joy (4:1). Philippians is also a joyful book because it emphasizes the real joy of the Christian life. The concept of rejoicing or joy appear sixteen times in these four short chapters, and the pages radiate this positive message, culminating in the exhortation to "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (4:4). In a life dedicated to serving Christ, Paul had faced excruciating poverty, abundant wealth, and everything in-between. Whatever the circumstances, Paul had learned to be content (4:11-12), finding real joy as he focused all of his attention and energy on knowing Christ (3:8) and obeying him (3:12-13).
As we start a new year, the adult Sunday School class is beginning a study on Philippians by Jo Saxton on RightNow Media (in the adult SS room across from the restrooms). This is a great opportunity to work on our "BE ATTITUDE" (Todd's play on words) and to discover some of the ways we can capture Paul's boundless joy. Please come join us!!!
God Bless!
-John E
