According to a recent UN Happiness Report, the nation of Denmark is the happiest place on earth (and all this time I thought it was Disneyland!). After Denmark was Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and in case you’re wondering, the United States of America came in at 13th place.
Sooo, what do you think? Is it wrong to want to be happy? What exactly is it anyways, and how is happiness attained? Would you consider yourself a happy person?
I’m not sure where you’re at, but I would venture to say that most Christians immediately raise their red flags when it comes to being happy. Most Christians would rather use such words as” joy” and “holy,” not happy. I completely understand and for the most part agree, but at the same time I don’t think it’s wrong to long for happiness.
Happiness is not bad, but joy trumps happiness. I love it when my children laugh and smile, and I’d venture to say that God smiles when we smile for good reasons. But the truth is, happiness is not found in a country, it’s found in our Creator. Happiness, and yes, better than that, joy, is found in knowing God and doing His will. If you want to be happy, remember, it’s more important HOW you live, than WHERE you live. Rather than moving your family closer to Denmark, why not try moving your heart closer to God? Happiness has to do with feelings, emotions, and circumstances, while joy has to do with faith, convictions, and trust in God no matter what the circumstances might be.
The article had some “ok” tips on being happy, such as, connecting with people, doing things for others, caring for your body, noticing the world around you, learning new things, having good goals, bouncing back, being positive, and being part of something bigger than yourself. But sad to say, the article missed the most important ingredient of all – GOD. No one will ever find happiness apart from God and a personal relationship with Him established through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Allow me to me close with a few Scriptures on happiness, and some very brief comments.
Psalms 146:5 “Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God.” Here’s a person who not only has God, but whose hope is in God. Does that describe you?
Proverbs 3:13 “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.” Seriously, happiness happens when we know God’s Word and we know how to apply it to our lives – this is wisdom, understanding, happiness, and holiness (by the way) – and the only way you’ll “find” is if you “seek.”
Deuteronomy 24:5 “When a man has taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war or be charged with any business; he shall be free at home one year, and bring happiness to his wife whom he has taken.” This is a rather ironic verse, and a good one to close with – because instead of wanting happiness for ourselves, it’s vital to seek happiness for others, especially those closest to us. If you do, and if that’s your goal – guess what? You’ll get a healthy dose of happiness for yourself. Remember that saying, “A happy wife is a happy life!”
A closing prayer, “Lord, I thank You for Your amazing grace – that I have You, and I can hope in You. Please help me to live out all the beautiful truths You’ve taught me from Your Word, please grant me that wisdom. I know happiness, holiness, and miles of smiles will be found there, Lord; I know that love and laughter and the fullness of life are found only in You, and Lord, this is epic – please, please, please help me to bring happiness to my wife, may that day become a reality, when she says, ‘He made me happy…’ and Lord, one more thing (I don’t know how this all works), but I would love to make You happy too (to please You)…in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”