In 2009, a lady of the name Gretchen Rubin published the widely acclaimed book The Happiness Project, taking middle-aged book clubs by storm. Rubin’s paperback follows her personal pursuit of improving her own happiness. The author leaves her audience with practical ways of being happy—reducing clutter, enjoying the moment, being true to who you are—that encourages those reading to tweak actions and attitudes for a happier and fuller life. The Happiness Project, with over 1.5 million sold copies, has made its way into homes and classrooms, the New York Times bestseller list and Jeopardy!
On a surface level, The Happiness Project is an enticing work that sparks hope into the lives of the unsatisfied. Her findings appear forthright, sensible, and applicable.
But, unfortunately, books like The Happiness Project have a habit of fueling our society’s unsatisfying addiction to happiness. I will explain what I mean by this as we go along, but we must first take a moment to analyze happiness. What is it?
Happiness can be defined, per Merriam-Webster, as being “pleased or glad about a particular situation”. Now, think about it. Has there ever been a day where you feel completely pleased with all of your present circumstances? I honestly cannot think of one. Stuff happens. Life can throw some curveballs at you, and I think it is unrealistic of us to set this standard of being glad all the time. After all, a constant state of happiness is impossible. Why, though? It’s because happiness, by nature, is temporary. Happiness is an adrenaline rush that quickly fizzles out when interrupted by the reality of change. We oftentimes find ourselves in environments that aren’t always conducive to happiness (duh). I’m sure everyone recognizes this, yet our society remains obsessed with this ideology. We want to feel content; we want to feel satisfied with where we’re at. These desires are understandable, but we won’t find it by pursuing happiness. In fact, we won’t find contentment in happiness at all.
Instead, we find what we’re looking for in joy. Though happiness and joy are commonly used interchangeably, they are quite different, so it is important to note their variances. Joy can be defined as the “natural reaction to the influential work of God, whether promised or fulfilled” (Romans 14:17). Where happiness is temporary, joy is a constant state, because it recognizes God’s persistent influence in every realm of life (Genesis 28:15, Exodus 33:14, Jeremiah 29:13). I firmly believe that we cannot find joy in anything besides God because God is the only true constant (Hebrews 13:8). Everything else is subject to change and may bring happiness at times but will never satisfy our longing for the consistency joy brings (James 1:17).
Personally, I have found that joy manifests the intertwining of peace and contentment and love despite the raging circumstances I discover myself in. It holds a spiritual perspective that recognizes the greater works beyond the here and now. Joy allows us to see past the present and into the purpose behind our pain and misperception (Psalm 51:8).
With all of this being said, does that mean happiness is the antithesis of joy? Absolutely not. We can find several examples within the Bible where the authors beautifully coin joy and happiness together:
- Esther 8:16 (NIV) — For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.
- Jeremiah 31:13 (HCSB) — I will turn their mourning into joy. . . and bring happiness out of grief.
- Proverbs 23:25 (NLT) –Give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.
Nonetheless, it is important to note that happiness and joy are in fact two different things. In perceiving their differences, we can then begin to choose lasting joy rather than fleeting happiness. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to abandon the things that make you happy (kiss your fluffy companion and Ben and Jerry’s goodbye). I don’t think that’s what is required of us. We do, however, need to recognize that happiness is merely a poor substitute for what our spirits really long for, joy. Only when we actively pursue joy will our souls bask in the rays of fulfillment.
Xoxo,
Gospel Girl
