26 For what will it benefit someone if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? (Matthew 16:26a CSB)

We see it all too frequently. Someone who seems to have it all but lives in a state of constant turmoil. Some even go so far as to take their lives.

They seem to have the whole world at their feet, yet cannot find happiness. Doesn’t this story that is as old as time tell us something? Doesn’t it teach a lesson that having it all does not necessarily equate to lasting joy and happiness.

Many say happiness is an elusive thing and a term that cannot be well defined. True in many aspects, but joy on the other hand is very definable. And a life that is not lived in joy is sad indeed.

Joy comes from living for something bigger than ourselves and doing for others things that lift them up.

….and happiness is derived from joy.