BE HAPPY!

18th  JULY 2023

“Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.” Psalm 112:1

About 2400 years ago, the Greek philosopher Epicurus said that people were making three mistakes about where to direct their energy to be happy. Among the things considered to bring happiness are; Over-valuing romantic relationships, money, and luxury, under-valuing friendship, and satisfying work and simplicity.  

Nevertheless, the debate continues. But true happiness is a gift from God and not dependent on our possessions or who we are. True happiness is not found in the world but comes from within; It does not fade away because it is of the Spirit of God. Since joy is a product of God’s spirit, therefore, we will have joy when we are aligned with God’s spirit. The best way to align with the Spirit of God is to obey God, render service to humanity, live the word of God, stay close to Him in daily prayers, and answer our calling to be a reflection of our Father in our day-to-day lives. That also means that happiness is a choice; Therefore, if we choose to do all these things, we will be happy. 

The quest for true happiness is an agelong search. The Bible says, “Blessed is the man that feared the LORD, that delighted greatly in his commandments.” Therefore, in addition to you and me finding happiness by trusting in the Lord, we must also surrender to God’s will in everything that we do.  That’s what delighting “greatly in his commandments” means.

Further to the above, note that our happiness is something that we choose for ourselves and the way we choose to live our lives; Happiness is not dependent on playing someone else’s rhythm as if that is our own. Our inner feeling creates happiness, and that is dependent on how we interpret the events of life.  

Wisdom is a means to achieve happiness: ‘Happy are those who find wisdom and those who get understanding”. (Proverbs 3:13-20). Knowledge assures us of everything good, including happiness, and it consists of knowing and respecting God’s laws. But even at that, happy people are not held hostage by their circumstances, and they do not seek happiness in people or possessions.  They make a shift in their mindset and align with God in a special way!

When our external situation is going well, it might make it easier for us to choose happiness, but it is not the reason we are happy. You can be happy even when things around you are nothing like you would like them to be. But that is not to say that those in abject poverty are happy, but it is wise to know that those who are extremely rich are not necessarily happy and fulfilled. Therefore, true happiness comes from enjoying your own company and living in peace and harmony with the constructive principles of God, as well as aligning with His divine spirit; It comes from making wise choices, including choosing to be happy. 

PRAYER

Father, grant me the grace of obedience to your word so I may be happy. Let my joy be complete! AMEN

FURTHER READING: Psalm. 16:11; James 1:2; I John 1:4; Matt. 13:44;