Most people do not know how to be happy because they have the wrong impression of true happiness. The world tells us to go after anything that will make us immediately happy. The Lord, however, wants us to do what pleases Him so that we will have lasting happiness.
The world offers us many things to make us happy, such as new house, car or clothes. Once we acquire all of these things, though, we find that we are still not really happy. People become exhausted (and eventually bitter) trying to become happy.
God never meant for us to find happiness in the world, but in Him. That is because the world’s happiness is temporary, and the Lord’s happiness is eternal. We should not live to be happy, but instead, live for Jesus. Happiness in the world means that our lives belong to us, and we can do whatever we want. Happiness with the Lord is giving our lives to Jesus and being happy and content in Him.
If we try to look beyond ourselves and make someone else happy, we will actually be happy longer. This type of happiness can come in many forms, but the most important one of all is love. We can bring the love of Jesus to others and fill the void in their hearts. Some of the reasons why people are not happy are because:
– They do not understand what true happiness is and they try to find it in things instead of Jesus.
– They are self-centered; they love themselves rather than others.
– They chase after what makes them feel empty and lonely; they follow their flesh and desires rather than focusing on pleasing the Lord.
– They do not know the promises of the Lord; they do not know what they already have.
– They think that love can be found on earth rather than in relationship with God and others.
– They are surrounded and overwhelmed by the sin in the world.
– They insist on their own way (rebelling against the Lord and other people).
– They think that happiness is in taking rather than giving.
– They do not know who Jesus is (They cannot focus on Him).
As Christians we can look at this list and say, ‘Well that’s not me. I know who Jesus is. What does this have to do with me?” I think we all struggle with happiness in our lives at one time or another. There are four main reasons why we aren’t completely happy now:
– Satan wants us to be happy about things that cause us to be more self-centered.
– We do not want to make others happy at great cost to ourselves.
– We have been lied to and told “things” will make us happy rather than God (This is idolatry: When we allow something to come between us and God).
– We assume that God wants us to be completely happy on earth. God wants us to long for God and His forever family.
Even though sin does not allow us to always be happy here on earth, He does want us to enjoy Him, the people around us, and His blessings. There are ways that we can grow in happiness that will bring us closer to Him. We can:
– Study the word of God.
– Pray for others.
– Pray for wisdom.
– Make a decision on a daily basis to make someone else happy.
– Choose to think about God a lot and choose an eternal perspective.
– View our challenges in life as adventures rather than trials.
– Look to God rather than looking for happiness.
– Remember all the good things that God has already given us and done for us instead of concentrating on what we do not have.
Do not chase happiness. Pursue Jesus and happiness will come and rest on your shoulder. Imagine drinking a cup of joy every day or as often as you would like. Practice smiling even when you do not feel like it. Offer it to God as a sacrifice of praise. Smiling changes our internal attitude and invites joy. Practicing joy brings joy.
The Eagles Cry 