Seems as though many people are chasing the happiness bug. That can be a dangerous thing. It can lead us to some disappointing places, like harmful marriages, overwhelming debt, and sometimes even physical illness.
For example, Ginny at thirty nine years old has yet to find true love. Finding Mr. Right she thinks, will make her happy. So she rushes into a marriage without really knowing much about whom, it is she is marrying. The next thing she knows, she is calling the abuse hotline looking for help. (I do not use this example lightly. God does not want any woman to be abused. If you are being abused. Get out as soon as possible! You can do it with God's help!)
Next, Ned is wanting to become the next millionaire entrepreneur. His "big deal" just fell through and he is out a million dollars. He is feeling hopeless as he contemplates his future. What will he do to get out of debt?
Lastly, Chrissy is overweight. She stands in the mirror, looking at the fat on her body. She walks each day two miles, yet only loses a pound or two at best. She wants to be skinny. That, she thinks, will make her happy. So she stops eating, becoming ill with anorexia.
See how the enemy of our souls will take a simple desire to be happy and twist it into something we never signed up for? It happens!
To know true happiness we need only turn to the one who made us. God knows how we can be fulfilled, despite the fact our lives may not be quite what we wanted for ourselves.
God's word says, "Wash yourselves, cleanse yourself , remove your evil deeds from my sight. Stop doing evil. Learn to do what is good. Seek Justice. Correct the oppressor, defend the rights of the fatherless, plead the widows cause." Isaiah 1:16-17
Wait, did God say 'Wash ourselves? Did he mean we are to grab a towel and head to the shower? No. So how are we to wash ourselves as God has commanded us to do?
There is only one way to be clean before God, that is through trusting in the shed blood of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins.
He has taken your sin upon Himself and given you, who turn away from sin and turn to God, His righteousness. This is called imputed righteousness. It is given to us when we didn't earn it. God's word says, "Come , let us discuss this, says the Lord. Though your sins be like scarlet they will be as white as snow, though they are red as crimson, they will be like wool. If you are obedient, you will eat good things of the land." Isaiah 1:18-19
Stop doing evil. That's pretty simple and straightforward right? It should be easy. But it's not, especially when we live in this world. Think, for example, how many evil things we do in a day. That guy that cut you off this morning...exactly.
Did you ever think you would have to "learn" to do good? When we were little kids no one had to teach us to be bad. It just sort of came naturally. But to learn to do good is another story. Sometimes we know the right things to do, we just don't do it. We make excuses, saying everyone else does it or its not against the law so I can do this or that."
God says in His word that if we know the right thing to do and we don't do it, that is sin. (James 4:17) Learn to do what is good. One good way to learn what is good is to read a bible. Another way is to have godly friends who will tell you the truth about the things you are doing.
The last four items mentioned in the above verses were "seek justice, correct the oppressor, defend the rights of the fatherless and plead the cause of the widow." These are all examples of doing good for others in the name of Jesus Christ. The best way to be happy and content is in serving others.
We do well to be about our Father's business. Jesus came to serve others. We are to do the same. God loves people. He loves you. He has a purpose and a plan for you. All you need to do is prayerfully start a conversation with Jesus concerning your life.
God says that if you are obedient, you will eat good things of the land.
Happiness is being in love...with Jesus. It is being rich, in love for God and others. Happiness is having the perfect body...of believers, as your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Psalm 16:11 says, "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." Adonai, my friends, is the key to happiness.