Joy

Joy is not the same as pleasure or happiness. A wicked or evil person may have pleasure, while any ordinary mortal is capable of being happy. Pleasure generally comes from things, and always through the senses; happiness comes from humans through fellowship. Joy comes from loving God and neighbour.

Pleasure is quick and violent, like a flash of lightning. Joy is steady and abiding, like a fixed star. Pleasure depends on external circumstances, such as money, food, travel, sex, etc. Joy is independent of them; it comes from a good conscience and love of God.