It's no secret that the one desire all humans have is the desire to be happy. It's also no secret that the rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide are on the rise. Can these problems be solved? Can happiness TRULY last?
Happiness vs. Joy
Although it's not often noticed, I believe there's actually a big difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is purely natural and can be satisfied by things on Earth. A good book, time with friends, etc. These things release a chemical in the brain called dopamine, and that lights up the reward centers of our brains, giving us a rush of euphoria. Sadly, no matter how good the happiness feels, it will always be temporary.
Joy, on the other hand, is a supernatural gift. It transcends human happiness and can only be given by living in union with God through the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). The source of joy is God, who will last forever, and his gift will too. Because joy in this sense is purely theological, I don't think it's possible for non-Christians to be joyful. They can be happy, but not joyful.
J-O-Y
I once heard that the word joy was actually a mnemonic device to help Christians prioritize their relationships:
J: Jesus. Calling to mind the first of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-3), The Christian's relationship with Jesus should be the highest priority and the most important relationship in life. St. Augustine is famous for having said, "O Lord, our hearts restless until they rest in you." Jesus is the only one who can satisfy our deepest longings permanently, and that's what spending life forever is about. Our hearts are made to love what is good, and God is goodness itself. When sin harms one's relationship with the Lord, this is the first relationship we need to mend. If others are hurting, they will only be healed if one is right with God first.
O: Others. Christians are called to be their brother's keepers. The self-sacrificial love of Jesus compels the Christian to follow in his footsteps. Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 25: "Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."
Y: Yourself. A sense of false humility can arise from always putting others before yourself, but God loves you too, not just others! The Great Commandment says that we should love our neighbor as we love ourselves, which implies the idea that in order to love others, we must at least have a little love for ourselves. We are children of God, who have a wonderful heavenly Father! Never forget this!
So yes, this world may be crazy and filled with darkness, but Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). I guess the secret to happiness that lasts isn't such a secret. It's Jesus.
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