Weekly Devotional: Joy or Happiness — A Christian Perspective

Read time 4 minutes

Published on Nov 14, 2025

Joy and happiness are often considered the same thing, but when you really look at the definitions and context behind each, you may find that they aren’t as similar as they seem.

The difference between joy and happiness can be simply broken down into this: happiness is an effect of the world and is fleeting, while joy is substantial and lasting. We often confuse the giddy laughter of life's comforts for the joy that can be found in Jesus. But joy sustains our souls even in the middle of struggle and heartache.

What Is Joy?

Happiness is defined as “a state of well-being and contentment; a pleasurable or satisfying experience” from Merriam-Webster.¹

The biblical definition of joy, however, is not a fleeting feeling connected to worldly things. The best example of biblical joy is the story of Job in the Bible. He was stripped of all his possessions, children and wealth, but he still trusted God and found joy in that trust.

“The Spirit of God has made me; breath of the Almighty gives me life.”

– Job 33:4

Job knew what happened to him wasn’t fair, but that didn’t stop him from acknowledging the greatness of his Creator and having faith that there was a reason for his struggles. God is just, and neither his ways nor his thoughts align with ours. It is in our best interest to pray that our goals align with what He has in store for us and not just ask Him to bless our intentions.

What Is the Difference Between Joy and Happiness?

The difference in a biblical context is the source. Joy comes from Jesus, and happiness comes from the world. Worldly possessions, circumstances or people can cause happiness, but the moment something disagreeable happens or you make a mistake, the happiness is replaced with sadness or anger. Happiness is easily replaced because the source is always changing. That is why joy that comes from Jesus never fails. Jesus never leaves or forsakes us, making the joy that comes from Him everlasting, regardless of our circumstances.

Happiness is more of a state of mind, while joy is rooted in Jesus Christ.

Even though we are called to have joy over happiness, that doesn’t make it a bad thing to be happy over worldly things. It is natural to feel happy due to your situation or accomplishments. Happiness itself isn’t an issue, but it becomes a problem when you chase after that happiness instead of basking in the joy found in Jesus.

The Danger of Chasing Happiness Over Joy

In today’s world, many people are chasing happiness. Some people may not be happy with where they are in life because they always want more. Happiness is presented to us through advertisements and social media posts as the ultimate goal of life. Influencers, celebrities and even some churches tell us that happiness is the way to prove you’ve had a fulfilled life.

“Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.”

– Proverbs 14:13

This verse reminds us that happiness isn’t lasting and cannot coexist with hardship. Happiness is a frame of mind based on a feeling. This verse shows that joy can coexist with hardship. It tells of how even if you have a smile on your face or are laughing, your soul may be crying out in pain. Eternal joy that comes from Jesus allows you to still find joy in the sadness. It isn’t just a frame of mind or a feeling; it comes from the perspective of knowing you have a Savior who always loves you, no matter what is happening in your life.

Living in a corrupt world can cause us to fall into sin, such as chasing after happiness instead of the joy that comes from Jesus.

As a Christian, there are many dangers that come with following worldly happiness:

Happiness can encourage moral compromise: When pursuing worldly happiness, it often becomes easy to justify one’s sins in the name of being happy.
Happiness can create a shallow faith: Chasing happiness can cause you to think less about deep joy, making your faith less important as you pursue the things of the world.
Happiness can become an idol: Pursuing happiness may start out as a simple goal or thing to reach, but the more you see others living the life you want on social media, it can become an obsession or even an idol. It can become all you think about and turn from a fun goal into something unhealthy and even sinful. It’s important to know the difference.

As a college student, it is important to be aware of the things you are chasing after and when they become unhealthy. Happiness isn’t a bad thing until it becomes an obsession or gets in the way of your faith.

Finding Joy in Jesus

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Isabel Maguire

Professional Writing Student

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Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Definition of Happiness. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved November, 2025.

Approved and verified accurate by the Local Outreach Ministry Coordinator of Spiritual Life on Oct. 16, 2025.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.

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What Is the Difference Between Joy and Happiness?

The Danger of Chasing Happiness Over Joy

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Weekly Devotional: Joy or Happiness — A Christian Perspective

What Is the Difference Between Joy and Happiness?

What Is Joy?

The Danger of Chasing Happiness Over Joy