Joy

True Joy only comes through Christ. Everything else is mere happiness. If you think about  'hap' the root word of happiness it explains it quite well. Think of other words that start with it like haphazard, or happenchance. It involves coincidence and is based on what happens around you.  
Here's a good example-- let's say you found thousands of dollars and you were told it was yours to keep. Most people would be very happy about that. But then let's say that someone stole it all from you--well most people would not be happy after that!  Happiness is based on surroundings and situations and chance.

Many people are in love with happiness. It is an addiction just like drugs. People can find happiness in all sorts of people and things. But just like drugs you continually need more to keep high.  Money is one of the top addictions--and the things it can buy.  When people have money they feel secure and happy. But it is an illusion. 

Buying things is a major addiction in our culture. We often feel happy about going out and buying things but then the newness wears off and we have to go out and buy more. Once again, it is an addiction like drugs and calls for a constant fix.
This constant search for happiness is but a poor attempt at filling the void in our lives that is supposed to be filled with Christ's joy. Let me ask a question---what will make heaven heaven?    The answer is God. God is what makes heaven heaven. There will be no money or stuff to buy or houses to improve upon. True full joy will be found in God alone.  So it stands to reason that the more we rest in God here and now, the more joy we will know now!  Joy can be found here and now despite our surroundings.    Think of Paul and Silas in the book of Acts--they had been beaten and put in prison and yet were singing to God at midnight in the prison!  Think also of how it says that the believers back then "counted it joy" that their possessions were confiscated.   
This joy is not based on chance or surroundings. It is based on God. And no one can take that away. And nothing can compare.   So it is time for believers to stop trying to find fulfillment in other things and take hold of "life that is truly life"!!!