What does the word happy mean to you? The Merriam-Webster definition is that happiness is “characterized by well-being and contentment.”
I’m sure we can all agree that usually the state of being content comes and goes depending on our circumstances. The truth that I’ve discovered is that happiness isn’t a destination but a journey. It’s not something we find, but something we create.
Every day is truly a gift. Sometimes these gifts are obvious. Other times these blessings are hidden in the trials we face. But these gifts are always there waiting to be discovered.
If you’re looking for a key to unlock more happiness in your life- start with gratitude. It helps us appreciate what we have, and therefore helps us stay content. True happiness isn’t found in material things but in the love and peace of God.
Life doesn’t always work the way we think it should. High expectations slam against unwelcome surprises. At those times it’s hard to feel the presence of God.
If He is everywhere and loves us like he says he does, why does he allow the loss of a job or home or a loved one?
God has gone to great lengths to make himself known to us—
through the Bible, through his people, through nature, and through his only Son who died for us.
The author and speaker, Dr. Joel Muddamalle (Mood-am-AL-Lay) says that every time he asks, “Why”, God reminds him,
Who created and sustains all things? Who defeated death? Who comforts us in our pain and sorrow? To all of these questions- we answer, our Heavenly Father.
Joel goes on to say that every time someone asks the question “why do bad things happen to good people” he answers,
“God, I don’t know. But you do. And that will be good enough for me.”
A lot of us avoid reading the Old Testament because we find the God depicted there scary and remote. We look for ways to make Him more tolerant, less stern.
But the truth is that God has always had relationship with people based on their covenant. God seeks intimacy with His people, but it must be on His terms.
When Moses and his people reached Mount Sinai on the way to the Promised Land, God spoke to Moses. It was there that God made a covenant with Moses and the Jewish people that renewed the one he had made with Abraham. But there were a lot of terms to this relationship.
In Christ, we too have a covenant with the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Unlike anything found in the Old Testament. We now have the privilege of approaching God one on one. How is your relationship with your Heavenly Father?
Consider how you introduce yourself to someone new. You might say something like, “Hi, I’m Janine and I’m a school principal.” Or, “Hi, I’m Jake and I’m an engineer”.
In these examples, we say our name followed by our job title or some major accomplishment. It’s easy for us to get so wrapped up in what we do, that it becomes who we think we are.
In contrast, God values us before we do anything. He would introduce us as Janine, Jake and Meagan as dearly loved children of God. To God, who we are is much more important than what we do.
So, certainly, take pride in your work but don’t let it become your sole identity. Before anything, you are a child of God.
Are you in a difficult season right now? Unfortunately, even being a new creation in Christ doesn’t grant us a trouble free life. Do you look at your to-do list and feel overwhelmed? Problems at work? Relationship troubles? I promise, that even if it feels like God has distanced Himself from you during this time nothing could be further from the truth.
So, in the midst of these hard times reach out to God and know He has not forgotten about you. In the Bible, Isaiah chapter 41 in the Message says,
“I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you.”
Calm you anxieties by taking refuge in your Heavenly Father. He is right there with you.
