It’s a big topic to discuss in four minutes. Here it was the great Benjamin Franklin, who years ago declared the constitution guarantees you the right to pursue happiness. You’ve got to catch it yourself, catching happiness. There are many things that happened to us, our aspirations, achievements and our relationships. They are the things in life which by the very nature come and go, and often they cause a great deal of stress, but a good deal of hope and satisfaction as well. I mean, that’s life. You can’t avoid them coming into your life. But how do you define happiness? What is it?
It seems to me that the only accurate definition of happiness is that state of human being and feeling which exists when you can honestly say to yourself, “Hey, I’m happy.” Happiness is when we’re feeling we’re happy. Simple. But there’s an idea out there that if you’ve got lots of money, you’ll be happy. Is that true, or is that just an illusion? I’m sure having lots of money is nice, but we’re not sure if the premise money equals happiness is reality.
Money = Happiness?
But people get caught up in this solution. They work ridiculous hours or take enormous risks to make money, believing it will bring them happiness. The author John Piper, says that money exerts a certain control over us because it seems to hold out so much false promise of happiness. It whispers with great force, think and act so as to get into a position to enjoy my benefits. And that might include stealing, borrowing or working. Money promises happiness, and we serve it by believing the promise and walking by that faith. That was the author John Piper.
Well, I know a few wealthy people. They’re definitely not happy people, so really, wealth does not guarantee happiness. So where have we gone wrong here? I like what Will, Rogers once said. Too many people spend money they haven’t earned to buy things, they don’t want to impress people they don’t like. I’m sure it’s true in wealthier nations like ours. There’s nothing wrong, of course, with owning stuff. But where do you draw the line? Why do we think more stuff will bring us ultimate happiness?
Happiness is part of God’s plan
Deep in the soul of every human being is a longing for happiness. I’ve never met a person who does not want to be happy. If someone were to tell me they didn’t want to be happy, I wouldn’t believe them. They may think that happiness is impossible. They may believe that they will never experience happiness, but deep down they long for it. And this is where God fits into the picture. God wants you to be happy. You weren’t created to be miserable. God did not form human beings from the dust of the ground and breathe into the them the breath of life so that he could make them unhappy.
Jonathan Edwards, the great preacher from the 18th century, said “God created man for nothing else but happiness. He created him only that he might communicate happiness to him, and I reckon that’s the best news you’re going to hear all day.”
Being in a relationship with our eternal, loving heavenly father will bring you in a joy, which is greater than winning the lottery. And if you believe the Christian life is about being miserable, then I’m afraid you’re mistaken. It’s not wrong to seek happiness. It’s wrong to seek happiness that doesn’t last. It’s wrong to seek happiness that’s fleeting. But we should not seek happiness in the wrong place or the wrong way. Believing in God and his son, Jesus Christ will give you a peace from God that will enrich your life.
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Read the Bible – Psalm 16:11. Think about it. It’s a prayer that says you direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life as I walk with you. The pleasures are never ending, and I know true joy and contentment. The New Testament teaches that Jesus is the way to happiness, the way to truth and life. And when the Lord fills you with himself, you receive his strength, his love and his wisdom.
And no situation can stop or prevent you from going forward because Jesus, the source of happiness lives in you. What could be better than that? Read the Bible. Here’s another example. Psalm 84:5. Blessed the people whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. God is our strength and our happiness is found there in him, not in our money or bank account.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, I need to realise that happiness is not an illusion when it’s grounded in you. You alone are the source of true and deep happiness, and I thank you that that’s a possibility.
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