God and Joy?

[Sunstone]

Is a relationship with God the only way that anyone can truly experience joy? I heard that claim today, and immediately wondered how anyone could make such a claim? Are there studies that show this to be a fact? Is anyone who thinks they've experienced joy (but without a relationship with God) deluded then? And what does that little word "truly" mean? What do you think?

 

[john63]

Is a relationship with God the only way that anyone can truly experience joy? I heard that claim today, and immediately wondered how anyone could make such a claim? Are there studies that show this to be a fact? Is anyone who thinks they've experienced joy (but without a relationship with God) deluded then? And what does that little word "truly" mean? What do you think?

Must everything be subject to a study? I have definitely experienced joy before I was a Christian, but although it was an awesome feeling, it wasn't the same as the joy I get from the Holy Spirit.

 

[dawny0826]

Must everything be subject to a study? I have definitely experienced joy before I was a Christian, but although it was an awesome feeling, it wasn't the same as the joy I get from the Holy Spirit.

Couldn't have expressed that better myself...

No joy compares to the joy that I have in Christ...

 

[CaptainXeroid]

Is a relationship with God the only way that anyone can truly experience joy?

I don't think so.

I heard that claim today, and immediately wondered how anyone could make such a claim?

I would guess the person has a 'new' or 'renewed' relationship with God and is a little overexuberant.

Are there studies that show this to be a fact?

I've found that 5 in 4 Americans don't understand studies....or fractions.

Is anyone who thinks they've experienced joy (but without a relationship with God) deluded then?

Maybe, maybe not...it's hard to generalize.

And what does that little word "truly" mean?

The person probably used it for emphasis.

What do you think?

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart....and if the Devil doesn't like it he can sit on a tack. For I'm so happy, so very happy, I have the love of Jesus in my heart, down in my heart! With all apologies to those who sing better than I can.

Other people experience joy in their own way regardless of their relationship with God, but speaking only for myself, I concur with john63 and dawny0862.:162:

 

[Ori]

I get more joy from my dog then any God.