Ep. 10: More Than Happiness

I was wishing my dad a happy Father’s Day, and his response was, “Thank you, Heather Joy.” Him saying my middle name wasn’t because I was in trouble—that’s a win.

But it got me thinking about my middle name: Joy.

It’s funny because there have been seasons of my life where joy was the last thing I felt. There have been seasons of uncertainty, grief, disappointment, stress, and waiting. And if I’m honest, there are still days when happiness comes and goes depending on what’s happening around me.

But happiness and joy aren’t the same thing.

Happiness tends to follow our circumstances. We get good news, and we feel happy. Things go our way, and we feel happy. The problem is, circumstances change.

Joy is different.

Joy isn’t pretending everything is fine. Joy isn’t ignoring the hard things. Joy is the confidence that even when life feels uncertain, God is still present, still working, and still guiding our steps.

Last week, we talked about the weighted vest—the extra resistance that feels uncomfortable in the moment but ultimately makes us stronger. Life can feel like that sometimes. We all carry things we’d rather not carry. But as followers of Jesus, we don’t carry them alone.

One of my favorite verses is found in Nehemiah 8:10:

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Not your circumstances.

Not your accomplishments.

Not your perfect plan.

The joy of the Lord.

When we spend time with Him, trust Him, and keep our eyes on Him, He gives us something deeper than temporary happiness. He gives us a steady confidence that no matter what we’re walking through, He’s already gone before us.

So this week, if life feels a little heavy, don’t chase happiness. Chase His presence. Because real joy isn’t found when everything is going right—it’s found in knowing the One who is holding it all together.