Humanity’s Search for Happiness

   What makes you happy? Much of humanity seems to think they know what would bring them happiness; and yet, once they obtain whatever it may be, they still aren’t satisfied. Oh sure, they may experience moments of bliss, but their effects are fast fleeting. They’re never permanent. Some might say, “I know what would make me happy.” If they did, they already would be. Notice, it’s still future tense.

   That’s just it, they seek material possession, status, relationships and so on. Even if they gain all those things, it will never be enough. They’ve been duped. They’ve taken on a form of selfishness that leads to emptiness. Happiness has become the god of many. They don’t understand happiness is a byproduct of something else altogether different. More on that in a moment. The bottom line, the things of the world will never make them happy. The Bible gives serious hints concerning this truth.

   1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

   If you seek happiness in the manner of the world, it will elude you. Trying to be the captain of your own soul will sink your ship.

The Definition of Happiness

   Maybe it would be important to ask, what is the definition of happiness? Perhaps, one of the reasons it eludes people is they haven’t properly defined it. They have assigned a different meaning to the actual definition, or over emphasized an aspect of it. For instance, they confuse pleasure with happiness, or that part of happiness which is pleasurable, minus its other aspects.  What is the definition, then?  

   One definition is good fortune, or prosperity. Another is a state of well-being and contentment (hmmm), or joy. A third is bliss, or aptness. However, biblically, it has some other meanings.

   In the Hebrew (Old Testament language), it means to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy). In other words, it is used of a straight way, hence what is upright, or erect. Figuratively, it means to go forward, be honest, or prosper. It is rendered as “bless” (“call [-ed] blessed”, “be blessed”), “happy,” “go,” “guide,” “lead,” and “relieve” (833, Strong’s Concordance number).

   In the Greek (New Testament language), to be happy means blessed, possessing the favor of God. Fortunate, or well off. It is a state of being marked by the fullness from God. It is rendered as “blessed,” “happy,” or “happier” (3107, Strong’ Concordance number).

How to be Happy

   Those who are truly happy are in the world; and yet, independent of the world. Their satisfaction comes from God; not from favorable circumstances. If you put other things ahead of God, happiness will be fast fading. The self-centered life is a sure way to unhappiness!  

   Psalm 146:4-5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever (read entire chapter).

   Interestingly, the fear of the Lord is also attached to happiness. When you fear the Lord properly, He is the Center of your life.

    Proverbs 28:14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

   Here’s a fascinating concept: happiness according to the world can be found in instant gratification, with no friction. However, it fades fast. Biblical happiness requires endurance, and has long term results. In fact, you might say it’s eternal. Moreover, it may include hardship.

   James 5:10-11 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy (see also 1 Peter 3:14).

   1 Peter 4:13-14 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified.

   When it comes to happiness, think long-term; not instant, fleshly gratification. Happy is the one whose God is his or her Father, whose Lord is Jesus Christ, and whose Comforter is Holy Spirit!

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