From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: What’s the difference between happiness and joy?

A: Many people think that being happy and being joyful are the same thing, but there is a difference. We experience a sense of happiness when our circumstances are pleasant and we’re relatively free from troubles. The problem, however, is that this kind of happiness is fleeting and superficial. When circumstances change – as they inevitably do – then this kind of happiness evaporates like the early morning fog in the heat of the sun.

Even when our outward circumstances are seemingly ideal, we still may be troubled inside by a nagging hunger or longing for something we cannot identify. We say we are “happy” but down inside we know it is only temporary and shallow at best. Even from time to time, we may think we have found a degree of happiness, but it eventually vanishes.

The kind of happiness that’s lasting is an inner joy and peace, which endures in any circumstance no matter what comes our way. It may even grow stronger in adversity. This is the kind of happiness to which Jesus summons us in His sermon of the Beatitudes. He alone has the answer to our search for lasting happiness. “He who heeds the word [of God] wisely will find good,… happy is he” (Proverbs 16:20).

Such happiness for which our souls ache is one undisturbed by success or failure, one that dwells deep within us and gives us inward contentment even in despairing circumstances; it needs no outward stimulus. “Count it all joy,” the Bible says, “when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2), because happy is the person who has learned the secret of being content with whatever life brings and then to share this secret with others who need encouragement.

COVID-19 does not have to only produce negative emotions and experiences. We can also work to find and share joy during difficult times like the one we are in now. The reality is that joy is natural, but it does not always come naturally—especially in the middle of a global pandemic and national unrest. Sometimes we need to work at joy and cultivate it. We need to tend to those things, activities, relationships, and beliefs that are life-giving. Practically speaking, this involves becoming more aware of when we feel profound joy and pursuing those things more intentionally. In other words, make joy a habit.

During this disruptive season of COVID-19, this can be especially helpful to not only cope with the challenges and disappointments, but also to help guide you toward what brings you a sense of purpose and meaning in life. For many, so much of life has been disrupted—work, school, relationships, daily rhythms. Taking time to get clear on what brings life-giving joy is timely and essential.

The hardship and grief that so many people around the world are facing are devastating, and there’s nothing that can erase that pain. But there are a few strategies we can employ to try to create moments of relief. Use the Joyful June Calendar to help you celebrate tiny achievements, catch joy from others, build positive habits , reflect and show gratitude for the many blessings God has given us.

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