Have you ever wondered why individuals react differently to similar situations? Why is it that one individual totally collapses, both mentally and physically, at the death of a loved one while another faces the situation apparent calm? Why is it that one person will face the trials of life, such as sickness, financial problems, or family problems with calm assurance while another is an emotional mess?

Obviously, some of this difference in reaction is the result of one's upbringing and personality. However, let me suggest another reason why one person may react to the trials of life quite differently from another. One may have the joy that only is realized through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

We must realize there is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is an emotional state. The Lord's brother James wrote, "Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms." (James 5:13). We may want to sing because, at that moment, some external event has caused us to be happy and cheerful. However, how many of us feel like singing at a time of tragedy or family crisis? Happiness can change to sadness, to anger, or to fear as quickly as something triggered that emotion. Joy, on the other hand, is a mental state, a mind-set. Having this mind-set can enable one to be joyful even in the face of tragedy and crisis. The same James wrote, "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials..." (James 1:2). D. L. Moody once said, "Happiness is caused by things that happen around me, and circumstances will mar it; but joy flows right on through trouble; joy flows on through the dark; joy flows in the night as well as in the day; joy flows all through persecution and opposition. It is an unceasing fountain bubbling up in the heart; a secret spring the world can't see and doesn't know anything about. The Lord gives his people perpetual joy when they walk in obedience to him."

Christians have the joy that comes with knowing that the trials of life are fleeting. They know and are certain that no matter how difficult this short time on earth may be there is a better day coming. They know and are certain that death is not the end but only a step into another phase of existence. All of us can know and be certain of these things if it is our desire. We can have the mind-set of joy. The apostle Paul wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always, Again I will say, rejoice!"