The Thread of Happiness
Are we, as Christians, allowed to want happiness? What does God say about happiness? Was Jesus “happy”? Is it wrong to want to be happy?
I once heard a preacher denounce the word “happiness” and in my little girl mind he almost made it sound like I would be sinning if I wanted to be happy. But by the grace of God, and through His Word, I’ve learned so much since then…
Happiness is not a sin. Happiness is an emotion that GOD Himself wove into our capacity of feelings. God is the creator of our full range of emotions and in that gift He invites us to become mature and not remain emotional infants. Gaining “emotional-regulation” is vitally important as opposed to denying or misusing our emotions.
Happiness is a part of our journey (I hope), but it should not be our goal. When we have a goal in our life, then we are focused and intentional to work towards that goal. And while happiness can become an over-indulgence and thereby become a sinful pursuit in our lives — that doesn’t mean happiness is the problem…that means it has taken up too high of a position in our life. Wanting to be happy is not wrong. But wanting it above other important elements in our life — now that’s a destructive storm building on the horizon.
Happiness is like salt on a good meal. It can add flavor to what is already on the plate. Happiness doesn’t take away from life, it adds to it. But if we put too much salt on a meal, what happens? What could have been a wonderful meal, now suddenly makes our tongue curl. So it is with happiness. Sprinkled in good proportion, it’s wonderful. But overindulgence of it brings ruin.
True happiness will only be found when our hearts and minds are set on loving God, loving others, and living kindly. Happiness is found in the overflow of that kind of living.
Interestingly the harder a person works to achieve happiness, the farther away it gets. Like a mirage in the desert. It’s “just there”, but not really. For happiness is sprinkled along the way as we pursue what is Higher. As we reach for MORE of God’s plans for us, we find sprinklings of happiness in the most unexpected places coming in the most unimaginable ways. You can’t buy it with money or attain it with power. It’s like a sunset or sunrise — it’s most beautiful when water-filled clouds surround it. And “real-life” is the water that fills those clouds.
I recently read a secular article — that actually (unknowingly) reflected Godly truths concerning happiness. I’ll shared with you the 6 key points of the article, but then I’ve fed in scriptural truths that align with their points. The article never mentions God — and yet, as I read it, I found a solid Reach-for-More of HIM. I figure, if God can speak through a donkey, He can speak through most anything… it’s amazing how faithful His reach towards us is.
The findings of a recent Gallup study, done for the United Nations annual report — named Finland to be the happiest country in the world (again) — 6 years in a row. The Gallup Institute measures factors like GDP (Gross Domestic Product — measuring the value of an economy), social support, freedom to make choices, life expectancy and generosity.
Here’s where the results of all their research becomes fascinating. They found there were 6 specific areas that elevated the happiness quotient for people living in Finland. I’ve numbered the results of the research, and then I’ve added in our Reach-for-More-of-GOD underneath each one.
1. Spending time in nature
Studies show spending time in nature helps diminish feelings of anxiety, stress, and can even boost self-esteem.
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:7-10)
2. SISU
(An untranslatable word) that can best be described with our English words as - inner strength, determination, guts, courage, and willpower. Developing the art of inner strength and determination when the world feels in crisis — no matter if it’s raining…or cold…grab you coat and go outside anyway.
Those that wait [trust, hope] on the Lord will renew their strength, they shall mount up on wings like eagles. They shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint…” (Isaiah 40:31) Countless verses in the Bible can be found that invite us towards growing our internal strength, increasing our determination, to be courageous and align our willpower with His purposes. SISU is “untranslatable” into English, but let’s playfully translate it this way — the “Savior Is Strengthening Us” :)
3. Trusting Others
Surround yourself with people, and be a person, where trust is given and received freely. Find those places and people. Step away from negativity and assuming the worst.
Be trustworthy. Be a person of honesty and integrity, even when no one is watching.
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” (Proverbs 12:22 KJV)
4. Be more open
About how you’re really feeling - give a genuinely honest answer to “How are you?” Promotes an honesty that is both vulnerable and freeing. It models honesty and increases compassion and empathy. Relationships grow when this is mutually given and received.
“We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.” (2 Corinthians 6:11-13)
5. Don’t Humblebrag
“Kell’ onni on, se onnen kätkeköö” or “the one who has happiness should hide it.” (Finnish poet Eino Leino), in other words, press pause on that gloaty comment of just how “wonderful” your life is. People can’t keep up with your “happiness” when they are dealing with real life — humblebragging promotes comparison and a lack of vulnerable honesty.
“But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:24 ESV)
“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” (2 Corinthians 11:30 ESV)
6. Aim for Contentment
Another Finnish saying is “Onni ei tule etsien, van eläen”, which translates as “Happiness is not found by searching, but by living.” Happiness doesn’t always have to be a soaring sense of bliss; instead — enjoy what you have and foster feelings of contentment, rather than chasing another “high”.
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble with it. (Proverbs 15:16)
Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. (1 Corinthians 7:17)
And Jesus said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. (Matthew 5:6)
As we reach for more of GOD, and live the life HE has called us to — as we love Him and love others — as we are found trustworthy and willing to trust others — as we are honest with our words about our emotions — as we grow courage and determination for what is good in us — as we give gratitude to God for what is good in our lives but not over-talk it to others — as we take a walk outside and thank God for all the ways He shows His love through His creation — amazingly, in those places, happiness is found.
It can come in a valley or on a mountaintop, in a mansion or a hut, with a table filled or a table empty — it’s not the main course. Happiness is the seasoning sprinkled on a soul-living-well.
