Happiness Depends on.... but Joy doesn't and neither does Happiness...

So often we say oh if I had this I would be happy.. or if this were to happen i would be happy with the truth being if it happened you would be no happier than you are when you made the statement.... because the emptiness, the void you are trying to fill cannot be filled with material things... its an internal spiritual or mental issue that is keeping you from experiencing the happiness and joy you are longing for.. first you must know that all the joy you need in found in the Lord Jesus Christ.... secondly, that in him we have everything we need.... why are we so dependent of these outside things to make us happy.. we see other people with them.. we see them on television... or we have experienced them in some shape, form or fashion. we have to take our focus off of them.. focus on us.. within us is the happiness the joy to truly live the life we want.. to truly experience the joy that will not be broken by an empty bank account, a non-existent relationship, a dilapidated car, or a broken relationship with a parent.... in us and the Lord lies the strength we need to be happy and experience true joy.. when you are stripped naked or down to the bare essence of your heart and soul how do you feel? if the happiness or joy is not there then you are not truly happy or joyful. working on a blessed and prosperous 2010!!!!