joy

In an interview with her brother Kirk Cameron, actress Candace Cameron Bure shared that the key to finding personal peace is learning the difference between joy and happiness and resting in God's promises even when circumstances change.

Theologian Miroslav Volf, who has written books on subjects ranging from the Trinity to the challenges of reconciliation in divided societies, has turned to what might seem like a frivolous subject: joy.

But Volf, 61, the leader of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture, says studying the theology of joy with students and scholars is “hard work."

He spoke with Religion News Service about the difference between joy and happiness, biblical lessons on joy and how the average person can find joy.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Photo courtesy: ©Thinkstock/beerphotograph

We’ve been focusing this week on ways to help people seek God who don’t believe they need to seek God: exhibit life transformation that is attractive to others, choose compassion over condemnation, and embrace excellence through dependence on God. Today let’s add a fourth dimension: demonstrate compelling joy despite changing circumstances.

Remembering a memory attached to a sentimental item likely sparks joy. Marie Kondo’s method may spark joy. There’s nothing wrong with any of these sparks of joy, but they’re just that: sparks. True joy is found in God.

Christian joy, especially in difficult times, can be our most compelling witness. The joy of the Lord encourages and empowers us to grow even deeper with our Lord. As I noted in a website article yesterday, joy comes from Jesus. As a result, we can “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). The more we experience Jesus’ joy and love, the more we will want to share his joy and love with those who do not know his grace.

On this Fourth of July, as you’re celebrating the independence of our nation with your loved ones, I hope you will remember that we have the opportunity to choose how we pursue happiness. I pray that you choose to pursue a lasting joy. God is the sole source of a happiness that no person or government could ever provide.

Every day this year, you and I will be tempted to make anything and anyone but Jesus the unifying Person and purpose of our lives. Some have made politics their purpose, others sexual freedom, others material prosperity, and still others personal happiness. But as we march past the coffins waiting for us all (if the Lord tarries), remember this fact: “Neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

How can we have and share the joy of Jesus in this season as we celebrate his birth? The answer is not to wait until the world is more joyful. When the pandemic is finally over, other fears and threats will take its place. The answer is to seek joy—a sense of wellbeing that transcends circumstances—rather than happiness, which is based on happenings. 

Happiness is far less the result of our circumstances than our response to them. Psychologists refer to the “hedonic treadmill” as “the observed tendency of humans to quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite major positive or negative events or life changes.” However, we were made for more than happiness.

How can you and I love God with “all our souls” more fully today than ever before? As with any relationship, spending time together is vital. This works on two levels.

One is private: making time to focus on our Lord by practicing his presence through intentional solitude. The other is public: walking at his side as we experience the events of the day.