Quick! Think fast. When was the last time you were really, truly HAPPY?
Got it? I hope that you mentioned a time within the last week or so.
If not, we have got some work to do, be it perspective shifting or some heart encouragement. Heads up to those who are just now joining us… we are currently in the middle of a series looking at how our faith and feelings interact, as well as how Jesus did (or didn’t) experience those emotions.
Via Eduardo Damaceno @ Flickr
First things first: happiness and/or joy is a very biblical emotion. God gives us joy! And it doesn’t have to be formal, stoic, keep it to yourself happiness. Depending on your personality, happiness can bubble up out of our hearts and show itself in some pretty remarkable and encouraging ways.
But here’s the thing: True happiness, joy, contentment, whatever you want to call it, doesn’t stem from our outside circumstances. In fact, our circumstances shouldn’t be the primary source of our happiness. It doesn’t matter if you have a ton of money (or not) or live in a great house (or not) or have a passel of kids (or not) or work at a great job (or not.)
If you have Jesus, you can experience happiness on this earth like none other.
When we look at the life of Jesus, it wasn’t all serious, solemn business. Yes, He gave us many eternally important lessons, but we can infer that He also experienced joy in the process.
He was loved by the Father, which made everything worthwhile and gave Him heavenly happiness while still on earth. He rejoiced with those who came to faith. He even sought happiness and joy in the midst of trial and persecution.
In Luke 10:21, we see a sliver of his happiness:
“At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.”
Jesus was a joyful man. And his happiness certainly didn’t come from this world. It came from His Father.
We have that same privilege and ability.
Take another moment and think about this: Does your happiness level impact your faith level? Or does your faith influence your happiness?
Recently I asked a this question on Facebook, not thinking too deeply about it: “If God came to you right now and said ‘I want you to be happy for the rest of your life,’ what would you do?”
I was expecting some fun, dreamy answers like “quit my job and move to the Bahamas.” Instead, I totally got schooled by the husband of my friend Carlie (we will call him Santar– not his real name.) His response was SO powerful I just had to share it. He said:
“I would continue working. I don’t think that happiness should be contingent on job or circumstance, but instead it should be a well spring of joy inside yourself based on the knowledge of who you are in Christ. I try not to define my own happiness based on what life throws at me, but instead in the light of Christ’s gift to me.”
Oh snap, Santar. While my FB question wasn’t meant to be deep, his response was perfect. It sums up this entire post.
Happiness doesn’t depend on our circumstance. It’s primary source is our faith. Look at Scripture. All throughout the Bible, we see folks rejoicing in the midst of the hard stuff in life. Paul is a great example. This guy encountered a lot of not-so-happy experiences, but yet, he still found contentment in Christ.
I. Want. That. Too.
It is within our reach, my friend. It’s not a circumstance issue– it is a heart issue. Won’t you pray with me today?
“Father, thank you for the blessings in my life. They bring me such happiness. But I also thank you for the trials, for they strengthen my trust muscles in you. You are not only the giver of life, but the giver of happiness. Change my heart, Lord, so that I no longer allow my circumstances or emotions to influence my level of contentedness. Allow me to be like Jesus, joyful, because we have eternal hope in you. Amen.”
I would so love to hear all about the last time you were happy and how your faith influences your emotions. Leave a comment below (or if you are reading via email, click here.)
Find your happiness in Jesus today. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. Our faith can bring such great joy– we just have to go after it.
Oh Happy Day,
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” ~Philippians 4:11-13 NIV
Linking up today with Michelle via Hear it Sunday~Use it Monday, Laura at Playdates with God, Joan’s Beauty in His Grip, Inspire me Monday, and Miscellany Monday. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
