Happy, Happy, Happy

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” 
- Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

Back in the day, Amy, the girls and I use to like to watch the reality TV show Duck Dynasty. 

Now, before I go any farther, this is not going to be a commentary about the show, or the family’s Christian values, or comments that any of the family members may have said, why they said it, or the meaning of it all. That’s old news. Over and done. All that’s needed to be said has been said.

What does come to mind is the catch phrase that Phil, the family patriarch, said in many of the episodes... 

“Happy, Happy, Happy.”

Of course, he usually said it in times when he was being a bit sarcastic, or could laugh at a situation, or had seen the positive in a situation, or ultimately was happy about one thing or another.

Happy, Happy, Happy

The Bible doesn’t promise us happiness if we become followers of Jesus. As much as we would like for it too, it just doesn’t.

However, it does talk a lot about joy and reminds us to be joyful always and in all things.

Joy and being joyful is deeper than happiness. 
Joy flows out of the wellspring of the heart. 
Happiness is an emotion that can be part of that joy.

Being joyful impacts lives (yours and other’s). 
Happiness can come and go. 
Being joyful becomes engrained in us even in those moments when we are not happy.

Be happy, happy, happy. 

But even more than that, be joyful always.

Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” 
- Romans 12:11-13 NIV