More choices, more joy

So last night I was watching tv with my hubby and saw a Sears commercial. Their 'catch phrase' if you will, was something along the lines of "more choices for more joy" implying of course that they had more to choose from to bring you joy (more stuff = more happiness). That thought has been with me all night. When did we start equating stuff with joy? There are certainly things that can make you (temporarily) happy, but joy? The Bible says that joy is found in CHRIST, but what does that mean? How is joy different from happiness? As one who has dealt with depression most of my life, there are often days when I don't feel happy, but since becoming a Christian, there is never a day that I don't feel joyful. Happiness is temporary and conditional, give a child a cookie and they are happy, take the cookie away and they are not. Joy is more than just being happy, it's knowing that, no matter what the world throws at you, GOD has you in HIS hands. It's knowing that this world, with all the crime, poverty, immorality, and fear, is NOT all there is. For those who accept CHRIST as their Savior, there is something so much better waiting. Now the dwelling of GOD is with men, and he will live with them.They will be His people, and GOD himself will be with them and be their GOD. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelations 21:3,4 What a thought! There will be a day, not in this life, but the next, that there will be no sadness! No grief, no sadness, no pain! Wow! That is something to be joyful about! JESUS commands us to spread the word. The LORD is not slow in keeping HIS promise, as some understand slowness. HE is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.2 Peter 3:9. GOD wants us all to come to HIM, to experience HIS joy. Sears has some great stuff that can make your life more comfortable, or more convenient, or more entertaining, but that stuff can't bring you joy. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves can break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21.