Sheryl Crow’s famous words “If it makes you happy, it can’t be that bad. If it makes you happy, then why the hell are you so sad?” apprehend that being happy isn’t what makes people feel whole.

Happiness is an emotion. An emotion that we experience while we’re high on feelings somewhere between contentment and complete bliss. Happiness if feeling giddy when that boy you like finally asks you on a date.

Joy is stronger. Joy is feeling at peace when life is throwing curveballs at you. Joy is crying from overwhelming relief when you find out your mom is cancer free. We experience joy when we relinquish selfishness to the point of personal sacrifice. Joy is the one thing that is not dependent on circumstances, for it is an eternal peace within your heart.

Happiness will only last while life is good; it is a pleasure that is undoubtedly temporary. Joy will follow you throughout your journey through life; it is a sensation that will never go away, until you force it to.

We often seek happiness through dates, sex, being successful at work, a night out with the girls. The list goes on and on. Typically, these situations make us happy – in the moment. We’re having a good time, laughing, playing and feeling care-free. You probably still feel happy a few days later. Or as long as these things are still going the way WE want them to. But when your friends aren’t with you, some boy decides he doesn’t like you anymore or you’re stuck in a rut at work, that feeling of happiness goes away.

Psalm 30:5 “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

Joy is peaceful and pure bliss. If you have joy, bad situations won’t matter. It is easy and healthy to recognize that not everything is OK at the moment. Having joy in your heart simply means that regardless of the dreadful situations you are in, you still have the ability to keep moving forward. You see a bad situation and don’t feel sad but glad that you have the ability to grow.

James 1: 2-3 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

There is nothing wrong with being happy; you should embrace happy emotions every chance you get. But when things get tough, and you can’t fathom “feeling” happy, accept joy. Allow joy to defeat your emotions. Joy should flood your heart even when your mind is in the ruts.

We feel joy when we are spiritually connected to God.

It is important to seek joy, not happiness.

Use your bad days to find what makes you joyful. Dust off your bible, help someone in need and discover the true meaning of love. Life will never leave you feeling constantly happy, but you have the ability within yourself to ALWAYS feel joy.