Summary: I recently read a survey that asked people what they had spent money on lately that made them happy. One guy said it was a video game. A young girl said it was going on a trip, and a woman said it was an ipod she bought for her grandson. Happiness - it's an interesting word. People long for it, but it can seem so hard to maintain. Why? Because happiness is based on a current situation. If you're spending money on something you want, or you're with people you enjoy, then you feel happy. But if you're having a bad day, lost your job, or struggling in a relationship, the happiness disappears. Jesus said in the Gospel of John, "I have come to make your joy complete." He wants to give us joy, because joy is based on the indwelling Holy Spirit, not on circumstances. So His joy can remain no matter what you're going through. Many people are starving for joy, but they settle for happiness. We need to be telling others about the true joy found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Perhaps you can ask your friend, "What have you spent money on lately that has made you happy?" Then you can share the difference between joy and happiness, as you explain the Good News.
