Sunday, March 22, 2009

Happiness-fleeting or lasting

Are you truly happy? If so, what is it based upon? Not to be negative, but there are not a lot of things going on in today's wordly economy to be real excited about. If your happiness is based upon your 401(k) balance or the security in your job, you may not be too happy right now.

There are two kinds of happiness. One that is based upon external circumstances and factors--when these factors and circumstances are pleasant--we are happy. But this type of happiness does not always last. What happens when these circumstances turn negative.

The other type of happiness comes from a deep spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. This type of happiness is characterized by a deep inner joy and peace that survives any circumstance. Interestingly, this happiness may even grow deeper when we experience adversity. We have the knowledge that we are not in control, but that God is. That we do not have to change things around us--that's God's job. Our job is to depend and abide in Him. Does this sound like we just give up--well, yes, it may sound like that. But we are giving up to the creater of the universe, the one who created the heavens and the earth. Don't you think that He can handle what comes your way.

He encourages us to "[d]on't be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7). This means we do not have to allow the fears and the frustrations of this world to sape our happiness. We can leave them at Jesus' feet. He wants them, he does not want them to weigh us down. I encourage you to take Jesus up on his promise--really, what do you have to lose, well, maybe just a bit of worry and some frustration. I bet you probably won't miss them anyway.

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