Most people search for happiness in things and security and health and relationships. These are important to wellbeing. I know that happiness is a choice so I make a quality decision to display a happy disposition in the midst of each trial. The choice of happiness results in emotional stability, physical health and meaningful relationships. Furthermore it displays obedience to God’s command to “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) Happiness is the chief ingredient for wellbeing and it works ,,, most of the time. However, I tire in my dogged determination to put a smile on a face that is preoccupied with the problems.
Happiness by sheer determination during persistent conflict is a difficult up-hill battle. I am tired of problem-solving; being responsible to keep things going; meeting deadlines; keeping everyone happy and having to have the answer for every one’s problems. I feel like yelling “Enough Already! Enogh es enough!” How can I put a smile on my tormented face? Is there no reprieve from my trouble? Is there no lessening of the trials that I endure? It was Solomon who said,”hope deferred makes the heart sick!” (Proverbs 13:12) Right now my heart is sick and my happy disposition is only a manufactured front. This kind of “happiness” is not genuine. It is a self-deceiving façade.
God promised that my life should be a “joy unspeakable and full of glory!” (1 Peter 1:8) Then where is my joy? Where do I error? My mistake is found in the source where I seek to find my happiness. Surely happiness is not found in the abundance of things or the absence of problems. If that were true happiness would be impossible because the world is in a chaotic mess. Jesus said that “In this world you shall have tribulation!” (John 16:33) Then He added “but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Genuine happiness does not come with the absence of trail but with the presence of Jesus. He made this clear when he chided the murmuring Pharisees, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive….” (John 7:37-39)
There is a well-spring of peace and happiness deep within the inner recesses of our beings that transcends every human trail. It bubbles with spontaneous peace that spills over as a natural consequence of God’s presence. It satisfies the longing soul and it influence all those that may come in contact with us. That is what Jesus meant when he said “out of your belly shall flow rivers of living waters!” (John 7:38-39) An old hymn expresses this well. “I’ve discovered the way of gladness. I’ve discovered the way of joy. I’ve discovered relief from sadness. It’s happiness without alloy. I’ve discovered the fount of blessing. I’ve discovered the Living Word. It’s the greatest of all discoveries … when I found Jesus my Lord!” True happiness is found in the secret place of His presence.
Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (1 Peter 1:8)
WOW These are WordsOfWisdom we can live by!
Happiness by sheer determination during persistent conflict is a difficult up-hill battle. I am tired of problem-solving; being responsible to keep things going; meeting deadlines; keeping everyone happy and having to have the answer for every one’s problems. I feel like yelling “Enough Already! Enogh es enough!” How can I put a smile on my tormented face? Is there no reprieve from my trouble? Is there no lessening of the trials that I endure? It was Solomon who said,”hope deferred makes the heart sick!” (Proverbs 13:12) Right now my heart is sick and my happy disposition is only a manufactured front. This kind of “happiness” is not genuine. It is a self-deceiving façade.
God promised that my life should be a “joy unspeakable and full of glory!” (1 Peter 1:8) Then where is my joy? Where do I error? My mistake is found in the source where I seek to find my happiness. Surely happiness is not found in the abundance of things or the absence of problems. If that were true happiness would be impossible because the world is in a chaotic mess. Jesus said that “In this world you shall have tribulation!” (John 16:33) Then He added “but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Genuine happiness does not come with the absence of trail but with the presence of Jesus. He made this clear when he chided the murmuring Pharisees, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive….” (John 7:37-39)
There is a well-spring of peace and happiness deep within the inner recesses of our beings that transcends every human trail. It bubbles with spontaneous peace that spills over as a natural consequence of God’s presence. It satisfies the longing soul and it influence all those that may come in contact with us. That is what Jesus meant when he said “out of your belly shall flow rivers of living waters!” (John 7:38-39) An old hymn expresses this well. “I’ve discovered the way of gladness. I’ve discovered the way of joy. I’ve discovered relief from sadness. It’s happiness without alloy. I’ve discovered the fount of blessing. I’ve discovered the Living Word. It’s the greatest of all discoveries … when I found Jesus my Lord!” True happiness is found in the secret place of His presence.
Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (1 Peter 1:8)
WOW These are WordsOfWisdom we can live by!
I have read WOW today. Thank you for putting it on Fb.
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