Personal happiness is regarded as a basic right by most people. The idea that we can be most happy by loving ourselves first has become an unquestioned ‘fact.’ “Serve another? Why?” we ask. When asked to set aside our own preference for the greater good we generally react with surprise, even anger. Our feelings are honored to a great degree, aren’t they? I make no case for misery, nor do I believe that seeking suffering for its own sake is a wise choice. However, we will accomplish the greatest good for God, others, and ourselves when we mature into a life in which our choices are made with more in mind than ‘what makes me happy’ right now.
Just being ‘happy’ cannot be our goal in life. We will find it when we make godliness and service our priority. When a person focuses on attaining happiness, he will change course a hundred times trying to hold onto what is an ephemeral thing - an elusive feeling. That is precisely how millions of people make their day to day decisions and then they wonder, “Why am I so unfulfilled?” After burning through three marriages, moving to yet another town, restarting their live in a fourth new career; they may finally realize that happiness is not a situation or a location.
We are wiser when we make the pursuit of JOY are goal. Joy is similar to happiness. The difference is that JOY flows inside out, from a life that is centered on God and good whereas happiness is outside in, a product of what is happening (see the similarity in the words?) to us.
Isaiah, the preacher, spoke of the eternal wisdom of God’s word and will. Those who surrendered themselves to Him will discover JOY. The passage is written in vivid metaphor to emphasize the point. “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD’s renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed.” Isaiah 55:12-13 (NIV) That is the life I desire, one of so much more depth than merely being happy. How about you?
A life that yields the greater satisfaction over the long term is one guided by the will of the One who designed us. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40, NIV) On another occasion, a man quoted these two commands to Him and His response was, “Do this and you will live.” (Luke 10:28, NIV) The word that is translated ‘live,’ is a rich word in the first language of the Bible, meaning much more than to ‘keep on breathing.’ Jesus says that the person who loves God as his highest priority will find a full, rich, vigorous, refreshed existence. That sounds like the life I want! How about you?
I remember a grindingly difficult time in my life, now 15 years past. In January, 2008, my father was very ill with cancer and my mother needed help to care for him. I changed my priorities so that I could make the 2.5 hour trip each week on Sunday afternoon to help with his care for a couple of days before returning to my work on Tuesday. I walked, at length, with my parents through that deep, dark valley. I was usually awake all night because my presence gave him comfort. It was not always a happy experience, but I found tremendous joy throughout that 14 month journey. I often came home after those days feeing very sad and exhausted. But, in sharing their tears I gained a different kind of joy.
Disciple, refuse to chase the mirage of happiness. It will always be one day, one dollar, one experience beyond your reach! Instead, choose joy!
Surrender Self to God today.
Love somebody today even when it is costly to do so.
Listen for the Spirit’s urging today and respond with a ready, ‘yes, Lord!’
Here’s a word from the Word. Let it fill your mind as you prayerfully ponder it. "The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!" (Psalm 32:8-11, NLT)
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(Video of this blog at this link)
Jesus Calls Us O'er The Tumult
Jesus calls us o'er the tumult
Of our life's wild restless sea
Day by day His sweet voice soundeth
Saying Christian follow Me
As of old St Andrew heard it
by the Galilean lake
turned from home, toil, and kindred
leaving all for His dear sake.
Jesus calls us from the worship
Of the vain world's golden store
From each idol that would keep us
Saying Christian love Me more
In our joys and in our sorrows
Days of toil and hours of ease
Still He calls in cares and pleasures
Christian love Me more than these
Jesus calls us by Thy mercies
Saviour may we hear Thy call
Give our hearts to Thine obedience
Serve and love Thee best of all
Words: Public Domain
