Christians have been taught through the ages that we don’t depend on happiness in this life. But face it, we do...and in our rich American them-that-has-gets culture, so much of what we do, say, tweet, post, buy, and seek revolves around our happiness. But happiness depends on “happenings.” If things are good, I can be happy. If not, then not so much.
But it was the Apostle Paul who said in Philippians 4:11-13, “for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Jesus said in this life you will have trouble, but take heart, have courage—or don’t be discouraged, I’ve got this. I’ve overcome the world. He meant that for this world and the next. He said that He would never leave us or forsake us. His presence with us, can get us through anything that “happens” in this life.
Like Paul, we can have a deep abiding contentment no matter what is going on around us. Paul was in prison when he wrote this. We have seen his prison. It was a hole in the ground...dark, damp, dank, depressing. There was a hole in the ground in that hole for a toilet! But that didn’t get in the way of his contentment.
That word for contentment in the Greek means satisfied. Paul had a deep abiding joy, based on the knowledge that he was in the dead center of His Lord’s will. Deep satisfaction comes from being where we are supposed to be, doing what we are designed and called to do, no matter how taxing the task or the “happenings” around us. It’s that satisfaction that can provide happiness even when circumstances might dictate otherwise.
I love when Science supports what the scripture stated two millennia ago. An article in a Time Magazine titled, “Does Spirituality Make Us Happy? quotes a 2015 survey done by Erasmus University Medical Center in the Netherlands (a decidedly post-Christian nation). The researchers found that participating in a religious organization was the only social activity associated with sustained happiness—even more than volunteering for a charity, taking educational courses, or participating in a political or community organization.”
The author stated, “It’s as if a sense of spirituality and an active, social, religious practice were an effective vaccine against the virus of unhappiness.”
How do ya like them apples? Take that anti-theists!
The article goes on, “The possible conclusion drawn is that religion gives you a greater sense of purpose and meaning than a secular viewpoint alone does, and that can help carry you through the low periods and elevate the high ones. It could be that belief in an afterlife—something nearly all mainstream religions have in common—can make you happier in this one, knowing that you’re headed for something better.”
All this confirms my New Year’s resolution to seek the joy that can be found in the Lord’s presence, listening to His voice to confirm His will for my days—Not in looking for happiness in the circumstances around me. I’m convinced this will give me a “happier” new year.
I pray you have a Happy New Year too.