We finished up the semester by talking about what makes us happy. But the weird thing about happiness is that its pretty elusive. Its here one moment and then gone the next. A good, happy day can suddenly turn sour if things begin to go wrong.

That's because happiness is based off our circumstances. And a problem occurs when we base the purpose of our life off the pursuit of happiness. When you base your life off the pursuit of happiness, you will be an emotional roller coaster. Because our circumstances change from good to bad and back to good all the time--that's just how life is: good and bad.

So, that’s why we need joy not happiness. Happiness is an emotion related to circumstances that are currently happening. Joy is an attitude of the heart. Joy is what gets you though any situation, good or bad.

Joy is something that lasts; happiness is something that is temporary. When happiness fades away, joy remains. Joy is something that is bigger than you and I and our current circumstances. Joy brings us peace in the middle of a storm.

Happiness is like a thermometer that changes based the environment around it. Joy is a thermostat that we can learn to set and will effect the environment around it.

So, you need to ask yourself, "Where do I find my joy? What gets me through the valleys and the storms?" Because it needs to be solid.

I'll tell you, my joy comes from God. I may not be happy all the time because I have good days and bad days. But, my joy stays strong, knowing that God is in control, and that he doesn’t go on emotional roller coasters like I do.

So, are you chasing after happiness right now and find it hard dealing with the ups and downs? Or have you found joy somewhere that deals with any situation and puts it into perspective?

Simply put, are you a thermometer or a thermostat?

-Eric Kuehl