Happiness & Joy
Seek the Truth with all your heart.
In the ‘Journal of Happiness Studies,’ researchers looked at what identified people who were quite happy, from those who were less happy. They found that actual happiness is not dependent on money, health, security, your attractiveness, your IQ, business, career, or professional involvement and success.
Happiness is gained from what you do in helping others, NOT from what you have or own.
Consistently happy people were, and are, those who have deep, rich, joy producing, life-changing, fulfilling, meaningful relationships.
So true happiness results from having true friends, who you can trust, and with whom you can share spiritual, emotional, relational, and personal matters.
A close, genuine, meaningful, committed, continual relationship with Jesus and GOD will provide all the elements of joy and happiness. It is multi-dimensional; far more than surface froth and bubble feelings; and lasts into eternity.
Do not waste time and energy day dreaming of things that you think might make you happy; when you have this or that, or when this or that happens you will finally be happy. While you are day dreaming, time is trickling away like water disappearing into the sand. By all means think creatively and productively, and hold on to meaningful visions that you may have.
Happiness cannot be found in possessions and worldly things, irrespective of how grand they may be. You might experience brief periods of a kind of happiness or brief contentment, but they do not last, and the true happiness vacuum still exists.
Fantasy is unreality because it will never bring fulfilment. By all means think creatively, but only true happiness will come through GOD. Even though HE is invisible, HE is more real than the world we see around us. GOD’s reality is eternal and unchanging; rejoice in HIS presence; bring your thoughts and desires to HIM, HE will fill you with vibrant joy. What we can look forward to in eternity in GOD’s kingdom, is far more than enough to keep us happy in the lifelong expectation we can live with on Earth. The destiny in this case, which far more than justifies the journey, is magnificent beyond description.
Psalm 37:5 ‘Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in HIM, and HE shall bring it to pass.’
Psalm 100:1-2 ‘Shout for joy to the LORD, all the Earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before HIM with joyful songs.’
Proverbs 16:9 ‘In his heart a person plans their course, but the LORD determines their steps.’
Proverbs 17:22 ‘A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.’
Philippians 4:4-9 ‘Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the GOD of peace will be with you.’
Philippians 4:12-13 ‘I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through HIM WHO gives me strength.’
Smile at people; a smile is costless but of much value, it creates and means a lot, it enriches the receiver, is a spontaneous gift, and causes people to feel worthy, the memory of which sometimes lasts forever. It can create happiness, foster good-will, offer rest to the weary, upliftment to the discouraged, the sad, the troubled, and those who are in trouble. A smile cannot be stolen, and it is only worth something if it is given away. Never be too tired to give one away, and even if other people are too tired or unwilling to give one away, leave one of yours.
Happiness can be a decision at any time, and to be happy in whatever circumstances.
On grey cloudy days we can project our mind and vision to the clear blue sky and sunshine above the clouds, just as you see it from an aeroplane when above the clouds.
Hold onto your faith. Never lose faith.
Always keep hoping. Never lose hope.
In relationship with GOD there is real joy.
There are many references in the Bible, to joy, both in heaven and on earth. Every aspect of relationship with GOD should involve joy, happiness, celebration, appreciation, praise, and thanks, together with respect, knowledge, and understanding.
Joy is an expression of one’s experience in Christ and relationship with GOD.
Job reflected on the joy in GOD’S creation.
Job 38:7 ‘While the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy.’
Luke 15:10 “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of GOD over one sinner who repents.”
John 15:9-13 Jesus said “As the FATHER has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My FATHER’S commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that they lay down their life for their friends.”
Hebrews 12:2 ‘Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of GOD.’
Joy is also one of the fruits of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 The fruit of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is GOD’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’
3 John 4 ‘I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.’
On the night of the 19th June, 2016, I had been thinking about selling my antique furniture, and wondering which items I should keep; before moving to Queensland. The very instant I awoke in the morning, the crystal clear words in my head were:
“Jesus is everything, possessions are nothing.”
It was as if GOD had spoken them to me at that very moment, or that during the night HE had put the words in my head so that they were the first thing I was conscious of at the instant of waking.
I was immediately relieved of doubt and questioning, and in an instant my thoughts were crystalized, and I decided, without hesitation, to sell them, as well as some other things I had become attached to.
I had absolute peace in having this confirmation from GOD; together with a feeling of being unburdened and free.