Happiness in Jesus

PC: Rudi Roels

Have you ever just been going throughout your day, and suddenly a song pops into your mind for no reason in particular? It could be one of your favorite songs, something you heard as a child, or perhaps it could even be that really annoying jingle from that one commercial that repeats itself over and over and over in your head for days... 

Well, recently as I have been going throughout my days at work and at home or while driving my car, encouraging lines from songs or hymns have been popping in my mind (or verses I memorized as a child and haven't read for a while). As I sat in my living room this evening, reading about improving aspects of physical health, the song "Happiness is the Lord" came to my mind. I had forgotten some of the words so I looked it up and it really encouraged me. I'll share it with you in case you don't know the song:

- Happiness Is the Lord - 

Happiness is to know the Savior,

Living a life within His favor,

Having a change in my behavior,

Happiness is the Lord.

Chorus: 

Real joy is mine, 

No matter if teardrops start;

I've found the secret- 

It's Jesus in my heart.

Happiness is a new creation,

"Jesus and me" in close relation,

Having a part in His salvation--

Happiness is the Lord.

Happiness is to be forgiven,

Living a life that's worth the livin',

Taking a trip that leads to heaven,

Happiness is the Lord.

Sometimes I think we all question why we can't be happy like everyone else? I think when we question this it is easy to become perplexed as to what is wrong with us when the answer is actually really simple. I can't be happy like everyone else because I am not everyone else. I can't be happy like everyone else, because unfortunately in this sin-sick world, many people are actually not that happy (ever heard 'fake it til you make it'?). I can't be happy like everyone else who has everything because materialistic things and my own efforts cannot make me happy. I can be happy like Jesus wants me to be though, and the truth is that my happiness and joy needs to come from Him alone. 

Let me break it down further for you:  Me + me/stuff = not happy. Me + Jesus = really happy. 

But back to the song...the message is so wonderfully, amazingly true, and something I wish everyone could internalize. Happiness is not found in what we do each day, what we wear, what accessories or gadgets we have, how popular we are, what school we went to, what car we drive, or who we know...happiness is only found in Jesus and having a close relationship with Him. Of course, I am a Christian and I have known this all my life, right? False! I've known this "in theory" for a while now but oh if I had really realized that and had it ingrained to my core as a child or teenager, I could have skipped out on many a difficult time and heartache. Only now, in January 2016, now as an almost-25-year-old, am I starting to really grasp what true happiness in Christ is. Is my relationship with Him perfect and am I happy all the time? Not at all. But it's a work in progress and thankfully God never gives up on me. I will never be happy without Him, I will only be sad and feel empty. 

  

But it's not all about me, it's about you, too. You can have hope, joy, pure happiness, contentment, and feel meaning and fullness in your life also--you can't do it yourself of course, and your worldly treasures will never bring these gifts to you, but God can help you gain and maintain these wonderful, meaningful life-long, everlasting treasures. This is how some people in bad situations can be happy despite the circumstances. Basically, you + Jesus = really happy! He will be your best friend, but you also have to make an effort to be His friend. Take time for Him and I assure you He will bless you in wonderful and extraordinary ways. 

May we all strive to know the Savior more. <3

There Will Be Joy

Pain. It comes in varying forms, but in recent times, mental and emotional pain are what come to the forefront of my mind. These are inflicted by the evil one—the devil—satan. Pain can be draining and it clouds the lenses through which individuals view life. As a result, life can seem hopeless, and people can feel helpless. The question is all to often asked, “How can things ever get better?”
 
The beautiful thing is, things can certainly get better, and there is always hope. The most wonderful hope of all, the joy that we can experience as we learn to trust God. He is a loving Father, a faithful Friend, a kind Companion, full of grace and all things good. How His heart must be saddened as He sees His beloved ones suffering, dejected, and hurt by the harsh conditions of this sinful world. He loves us and wants to make us happy, healthy, and whole again.
 
The Bible is filled to the brim with promises and stories of how God has given humanity hope and the opportunity for happiness. His sacrifice and death on the cross for us is perhaps the deepest and most profound example of how He desires to fill us with hope and give us joy and peace.  He saw humanity’s condition even before its existence, and He made a way for His loved ones—you and me—to experience hope, joy, and an abundant life (John 10:10). 

To the hurting ones: Don’t despair, and don’t give up. Pain is only temporary. The Bible promises that joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).  People will fail us, and they will hurt us, but God never will. He is constant in goodness and He never changes. He loves without exception and He wants to give each one good things without holding anything back (Matt. 7:11).
 
Talk to Him about what is on your heart; be encouraged today. <3