Masquerade (Are You Happy?) | Words and Stuff

As we take a break from our Bible Study through the book of Proverbs, I want to share a particular message that feels heavy on my heart. The more I evaluate the world around us, the more I see an ever-lowering bar for the standard of happiness. The focus today will be on what gets in our way of finding joy, plus whatever rabbit-chasing discussion that occurs around seeking the Joy of the Lord in our modern times. 

*This audio is taken from the full live-stream on 02.04.2026.

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Study Notes

Definition of Happy:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happy

Philippians 4:8-9:

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.4.8-9.NIV

Definition of Conform:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conform

John 18:36:

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JHN.18.36.NIV

100 Bible Verses About “Not of This World”:

https://www.openbible.info/topics/not_of_this_world

Happiness vs Joy:

https://miro.medium.com/v2/1*KIWVJLeZAVNXKFlUWOqyGQ.jpeg

Why Did Nehemiah Say, “The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength?”:

https://www.gotquestions.org/joy-of-the-Lord-is-your-strength.html

Joy (BibleProject):

https://youtu.be/qvOhQTuD2e0?si=HzWcfAyyFoLKdOm8

Does God Want Us To Be Happy?:

https://www.gotquestions.org/does-God-want-us-to-be-happy.html

(Song) The Joy // Belonging Co.:

https://youtu.be/xuJnnRHw43g?si=EGWGjNH8Fwt606my

Bonus Content:

6 Signs of Emotional Manipulation:

https://youtu.be/6LjBJKtpfCw?si=6jDLF09F_pthndea

What Does it Mean that We are Not to Love the World?:

https://www.gotquestions.org/do-not-love-the-world.html

What is “the Joy of the Lord” and Where Can I Find It?:

https://youtu.be/3uh5Um2By5A?si=7vwpxJEiYsqz57RJ

Triumphant Joy - Dr. Charles Stanley:

https://youtu.be/QJWZWpLTcnQ?si=atTcQhBvLsVAJpQx

Billy Graham on How to Be Happy:

https://youtu.be/ciJdm4-1pZI?si=6bkxbGUZ4fSqYHgv

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