Happiness is more than an emotion. It colors the way an individual sees everything around them. Unfortunately, it is hard for many to feel happy for long stretches of time. This is because they've been too hurt to dwell in a place of happiness for anything more than short bursts. Although there is an endless supply of entertainment to make people laugh nowadays, none of it will bring what's missing.
And what we really need is contained in the word of God because the Bible is filled with several pathways to happiness. For instance, God committed to give happiness. Specifically to those who are pleasing to Him (Ecclesiastes 2:26). There are many ways to qualify including praising Him, praying for others, and studying the Bible. Another option is to follow Jesus' example. He was anointed with the oil of joy because He loved righteousness and hated wickedness (Hebrews 1:9). Plus, Proverbs 3:18 (NLT) states that those who seek the Lord's wisdom will be rewarded with happiness. To do this, spend time reading the wisdom books in the Bible - Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, or Song of Solomon.
Given that we've discussed God's tests and discipline in recent weeks, it is crucial to note that happiness can stem from God's correction. It says so in Job 5:17 (NKJV) and if you've ever been sharply rebuked by the Holy Spirit, you'd admit how happy you were to learn your mistake and how to rectify it. Happiness is also a consequence of obeying God's instructions (Proverbs 29:18 NKJV). Furthermore, those who are gracious to the poor are happy according to Proverbs 14:21.
So, how do we put this knowledge into effect in our daily lives? By remembering that happiness comes from the Lord, therefore, we should go to Him to receive. Take a look at scripture, a few are listed above, and meet their stated conditions to get a portion. It may seem like we have to jump through hoops just so God can give us the happiness we seek. However, consider all the hoops we willingly jump through for things that are less important than the goodness God has available for us.
For so many, the things we don't have are the source of our deepest unhappiness. Yet, a solution to this is in Matthew 6:33, which teaches to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, then "all these things" will be given to us. "All these things" doesn't just mean health or wealth. Happiness is included in the list of what God has to give. Isaiah 61:3 provides another practical way to chase away unhappiness for it tells us to replace despair with a garment of praise.
God wants His people to be filled with joy but we must realize true happiness is impossible outside of Him. If true happiness is what you seek, then don't reject the many ways He can help you get there by thinking that material things will do the trick. They can never replace God or what He has to offer. His hand is stretched out to empower us to face any storm knowing that when it ends, we will remain standing. Able to successfully weather the incidents that challenge our joy without losing our hope. Without losing the very happiness we received from Him.
Trust the Lord and take a step on His journey toward the happiness that is your inheritance as His child. See you at Noon EST.