Life and Happiness, Pt. 2

by Roland W. Keith

    Last week in our discussion of life and happiness we considered the words of the apostle Paul, who wrote, “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way” (Philippians 3:13-15). We may not be able to truly forget the past in every respect, but we do not have to be one of those people who spend more time looking backwards than than they do ahead.
    We can learn from the past, but we can’t change it. So, take life’s lessons and use them to move forward. That includes letting go of our tendency to judge others from a purely selfish (self-righteous) perspective, and holding on to old grudges, remembering that judgment awaits all of us, therefore it is best to get our own house in order first (Matthew 7:1-5). As Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7). It is amazing how much understanding and tolerance we can gain when we take a hard look at ourselves before criticizing others. We may just discover we’re all bailing water out of the same boat, so its best to work together.
    One of the stepping stones to happiness is in discovering that we all have more in common than we realize. We have all fallen short (Romans 3:23), we will all be judged (Revelation 20:12-13), we all need God’s mercy (Romans 11:32; Hebrews 4:16; I Peter 1:3; 2:10), and we can all find salvation in Jesus (Acts 4:12; Romans 1:16; I Thessalonians 5:9; Titus 2:11). It is easier to get along with others when we focus on our commonalities rather than our differences. And, it is easier to be happy with ourselves when we judge ourselves in humble regard to the teachings of Christ.
    Another stepping stone to true happiness is in learning the power of positive thinking. For the Christian that begins with the word of God and the wisdom imparted there (Job 12:13; 28:12-28; I Corinthians 1:24, 30; James 1:5). When we meditate upon His word it becomes the source of enlightenment that will forever change how we view and live life. Among the scriptures are these words from Paul: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:4-9).
    Peace and happiness are within our reach. Not every minute of every day. There will always be sadness and loss, pain and disappointment or regret. But for the Christian those periods can be all but washed away in the joy and contentment of knowing Jesus Christ. Even our sadness can be tinged with the understanding that our lives upon this earth are but a moment in eternity, and that peace awaits the followers of Christ on the other side of death.
    Like all things worth having happiness and contentment require something of us. Paul said we needed to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, holding fast to the word of life (Philippians 2:12-16). To me the hope of salvation is the ultimate manifestation of happiness or joy. If we truly believe that all of life’s upsets can be held in the proper perspective. As Paul wrote, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13).
    The faithful, obedient Christian is heir to the promises of God (Romans 8:14-17). We have a Spirit who intercedes for us when we are struggling, but calling on the Lord; moreover, we can rest assured that all things work for our good in a spiritual, eternal sense (Romans 8:27-29). Therefore, no matter what the world throws at us we can be at peace with ourselves and live in peace with others, so long as it is within our power (Romans 12:18). Along with Paul we can abound, no matter what the circumstances, because our happiness and joy are bound up in the promises of God, not in the pursuit of worldly things are how the world treats us. Christ and our Christian family are the source of our comfort.
    This world, and this life are temporary. We are just passing through on our way to another place, as John wrote, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:1-4).
    What greater source of happiness is there than to know what awaits us in eternity? Why let the world get you down? Ask, and God will not only guide you in the here and now, but He will also prepare a home for you in the hereafter. All you have to do is obey His call.