Happiness: Finding True Joy and Lasting Well-Being

Happiness is a state of well-being that encompasses contentment, joy, and satisfaction, understood differently through secular and spiritual perspectives.

The Nature of Happiness

This state of well-being is largely dependent on pleasurable external experiences or circumstances, which are interpreted by the mind as feelings. Ungodly people are governed by how they perceive their self has been catered to; if desirable and enjoyable then they are happy, however if situations are not according to their liking then they are gloomy and unhappy. Consequently, their moods continually fluctuate up and down.

Those controlled by the carnal nature place a higher value on present personal happiness, ignoring, and thus forfeiting, the long-term rewards that could be theirs by coming into a vital relationship with Christ (Rom 8:5-7; Gal 5:19-21, 6:8). In contrast, Christians should live in tune with the Holy Spirit and gain a true perspective, as did Moses. He chose to be ill-treated along with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time…because he was looking ahead to his reward (Heb 11:25-26).

Joy is true, lasting, inner contentment based on our relationship with the Lord, having a future hope and therefore with a more constant attitude, as it is not influenced to the same measure by external circumstances. Paul typified this when, in prison and facing death, he wrote "Rejoice in the Lord, always. I will say it again, rejoice" (Phil 4:4).

Happiness from a Biblical Perspective

The Bible states, "Blessed or happy are you when you are reviled and persecuted for it is creating a tremendous reward... this is why we can glory in tribulations" (Mt 5:11-12; Rom 5:3). The other beatitudes also start with "blessed or happy" – this is not laughter or even necessarily pleasure but an inner peace and hope if we live according to His guidelines, not the world's which are often the complete opposite (Mt 5:3-10).

Jesus, after washing the disciples feet and teaching them about servanthood said, "Now that you know these things you will be blessed or happy if you do them" (Jn 13:17). While we should experience pleasure in this life, it should not be at the expense of heavenly recompense (Rom 8:12).

"Come, share your Master's happiness" – is an invitation to rejoice in another's blessings (Mt 25:21,23). A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit (Prov 15:13).

The Path to True Happiness

Happiness doesn't come from getting what you don't have; it is appreciating what you do have. Instead of wanting the best of everything why not make the best of everything, as when people are predominately self-focused they are often unhappy.

A person can't be happy and complain at the same time

Happiness is elusive, if you try to obtain it for your own benefit; however, it is a by-product of serving others.

The world looks to success, pleasure and money to provide happiness, but these don't provide any long-term eternal benefits for "A man's life doesn't consist in the abundance of his possessions", so if we have food and clothing we are to be contented and happy (Lk 12:15; 1 Tim 6:8).

Reflection and Application:

How can you shift your focus from what you lack to appreciating what you already have?
In what ways might serving others increase your own sense of happiness and fulfilment?
What areas of your life are governed by external circumstances rather than spiritual truth?
How can you cultivate joy that remains constant regardless of changing situations?