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Daily Devotional Oct. 5, 2022

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all

making my prayer with joy” (Philippians 1:3, ESV)

 

     I bring you good news of great joy that shall be for all the people (or a least a few of you). McDonald’s is offering an adult-sized Happy Meal through October 30th . You have a choice of a Big Mac or a ten-piece order of Chicken McNuggets. And to turn your frown upside down, a toy figurine of the Hamburglar, as well as other classic McDonald’s characters, is available to the child who lives within you. For the bargain price of $12.29, happiness can be yours. So, get up and get away…!

     Or not. The problem with happiness is that the feeling is short-lived. Happiness also is subject to circumstance. The Latin root word, hap, means chance.

     One can feel happy after winning the state lottery. Happiness can come over the person who receives an invitation to attend the prom. A cone topped with raspberry chocolate chip ice cream can make a Graeter’s fan happier than a bedbug in a mattress factory. Unfortunately, these experiences have a short shelf life.

     Joy, on the other hand, has longer staying power. While happiness varies according to the good things that might happen, joy hinges on the good things that have happened. Happiness always looks forward in wishful thinking. Joy looks backward with thanksgiving for the blessings already received.

     Paul’s joy flowed from the good memories he had of his old friends who resided in the city of Philippi. Paul was grateful for the close-knit relationships he had made. His heart soared with joy when recalling the good times he shared with those he loved.

     Consider your joyous memories. A smile comes to your face when you think about that vacation you took last summer. Yet what makes such moments in time so delightful has more to do with the people whom you shared this experience than the context.

     It’s strange how we spend so much money on things that we believe will make us happy. New clothes. New cars. New golf clubs. We act as though happiness can be bought, even though we know the feeling is momentary.

     Relationships, however, are the better investment. Even if the bond should be broken for whatever reason, our memories cannot be removed easily from us. Such is the enduring power of joy.

     While a meal from McDonald’s may or may not make you happy, the people with whom you share your repast will offer you the greater prize. The Hamburglar notwithstanding.