Difference Between Happiness & Joy - God

by Pastor Jon Haakana

What kind of fad did you grow up with? I remember being obsessed with marbles. I would trade marbles with my friends and get into shooting contests all the time. I remember negotiating extra chores with my parents so I could get more marbles. With my daughter’s generation it was Beanie Babies. At the beginning of this century and even now, it was and is Pokémon cards.


Like all fads, whatever happiness collecting and shooting marbles gave me eventually faded. I lost interest and moved on to the next thing. It’s a pretty common story. Looking back, it seems bizarre that so many of us would give our time and money to things which would eventually break or be forgotten. Yet, Scripture makes it abundantly clear that humans have always had a serious happiness problem, (Ecclesiastes 1) and a recent article from Relevant Magazine is asking readers if they’re searching for joy in all the right places.


Writer, Austin Bonds reflects on how even now, Christians attach too much of their happiness to material possessions. While it’s no sin to take pleasure in a new car or nice pair of shoes, we must always remember these feelings are temporary. Happiness never lasts for long, but joy can endure even in the darkest times. He writes,

“In a parable about a rich fool, Jesus said, ‘Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’ (Luke 12:15) Possessions make us happy, but their pleasure is brief. I like Honda Civics and Netflix and running shoes and peanut M&M’s and college football. These simple treats provide a measure of happiness; they are material blessings from a bountiful God who loves me deeply.”

 

 

Click here to see the rest of the article

 

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NIV

Worship Series

"Finding Your Happy Place"

Worship in the Sanctuary at Mount Olive! 

Summer Worship

Saturdays (5:30 PM) - NO Saturday on May 27

Sundays (8:00 & 10:00 AM)

Stay Tuned for ONLINE Worship

beginning on Sundays (8:00 & 10:00 AM)

(Services will be available after the LIVE events)


Previous Worship Service Videos that are not listed below, please CLICK HERE.


  • "World-Changing, Charged Up Christians: Then and Now!" May 28

    -- with Pastor Jon

    8:00 AM


    10:00 AM



MOUNT OLIVE VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

JUNE 26-29 ~ 9:00 AM-NOON

Launch kids on a cosmic quest where they’ll have a blast shining Jesus’ light to the world. 

Stellar rockets kids on an out-of-this-world adventure that’s light years of faith-building fun.


Mount Olive Lutheran Church

June 26-29, 2023  ~  9:00 AM-12:00 PM

For children ages 4 years
old through just completed 4
th grade

(Must be age 4 by June 15, 2023 & Toilet-trained)

 


NOTE: REGISTRATION IS NOT FINAL UNTIL PAYMENT IS RECEIVED. * Scholarships available.

Early Bird cost through June 4 is $20.00 per child (snacks and all supplies).

After June 4 the fee is $25.00.  We are limited to 180 children (60 preschoolers), so please make your reservations early!  

REGISTRATION OPENS NOW and will stay open until we reach our capacity. 


REGISTER ONLINE



Mount Olive's Daily Schedule


Loading...



Want to stay in touch with Mount Olive? 

Please Subscribe below to our Church, Prayer Request and Newsletter emails

Subscribe to "All Church" Emails that include bulletins, worship info, event info, announcements, etc.

* indicates required

Subscribe to our "Prayer Request" Emails

* indicates required

Subscribe to "Mount Olive Newsletter" Email

* indicates required