Happiness is one of the most fragile yet most coveted things our Earth has to offer. Billions of people devote their lives to achieving the end goal of happiness in life, by seeking, among others, wealth, approval, respect and comfort. Yet this happiness we are all so intent on achieving is merely a feeling that can be completely eradicated in a single moment. Our happiness fluctuates by the day, and even by the hour. A single change in circumstances, such as the death of a loved one, unemployment, illness and divorce, can shatter this prized happiness in only a moment.
Many people rely on Earthly things to fulfill themselves. They put all of their hope into their successes, families and materials. Unfortunately, these things will disappoint, and when they do, it will leave people feeling dissatisfied and sorrowful. The good news is that there is another path of life to follow that will not yield such detrimental outcomes.
This is where JOY comes in. JOY is different from happiness because whereas happiness is a feeling, joy is a state of being, and therefore can not be torn away from you no matter what your circumstance. Joy is rooted in the One who never disappoints - Jesus! When we put our faith in an unchanging, perfect, loving God, we will always be able to rejoice and count our blessings no matter what life throws our way, because He is who He says He is, and therefore will never disappoint us. Idols such as the ones listed previously will not be able to fulfill you the way that God can.
Through all your struggles, God will always be there to watch over you, listen to your prayers and love you immeasurably. Anyone and everyone who builds a house on Him can enter into the state of ineradicable joy. As long as we are followers of Christ who devote our lives to Him, we will be able to experience this endless joy that abounds through our souls every moment of the day. The most important factor contributing to the strength of a house is its foundation. If you build yours on the right one, then through every storm and windy day, your house will stay standing.
The path that follows God is not an easy one. You will have just as many, if not even more, hardships in life as you would journeying along any other path of life. However, there are two key differences that make it worthwhile. The first is that when you follow God, you will always have Him there to support you throughout all of your struggles. With Him by your side you will be able to prosper through all of your obstacles (this is where the ever-popular Isaiah 40:31 comes in). The second is that when the path comes to an end, you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, where you will be united with your Father and be able to worship Him endlessly.
