The Pursuit of True Happiness
As we embark on life’s journey, we often find ourselves seeking happiness above all else. But what does it truly mean to be happy? Jesus’ words in John 17 offer a profound insight: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you… so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” This promise of peace and joy is vastly different from our modern understanding of happiness.
A Misconception of Happiness
When we think of happiness, we often associate it with being fortunate or successful. However, in the Bible, happiness is synonymous with being blessed. Jesus’ Beatitudes, for example, describe the blessed as those who are poor in spirit, mourn, hunger, and thirst for righteousness. This nuance challenges our conventional understanding of happiness.
The Apostle Paul’s Prayer
Did the Apostle Paul pray for his friends to experience our modern interpretation of happiness? His prayers reveal a different focus: “I keep asking God… to give you wisdom… so you may know him better.” And “This is my prayer: that your love may abound…” His prayers centered on spiritual growth, wisdom, and love, rather than fleeting happiness.
The Reality of Suffering
What about those who are suffering? Has God removed his hand of blessing and protection? Carol, who is slowly recovering from grief, smiles through tears. Terry, who is making progress after surgery, endures unimaginable pain. Are they happy? Not in the classical sense, but they are at peace, deeply aware of God’s presence and love. As Simone Weil wrote, “Joy is the sweetness of contact with the love of God.”
God’s Deeper Purposes
God’s purposes in our lives extend far beyond happiness. Jesus promised to leave us his peace and joy – nothing less. We are tempted to look for fleeting happiness as evidence of God’s presence, but Jesus’ life serves as a powerful reminder of his love, acceptance, and plan. May we walk in that same kind of blessing.
A Prayer for True Joy
Father, I am tempted to seek happiness as evidence of your presence. But I look at Jesus’ life and see one sure of your love, acceptance, and plan. And he was blessed. May I walk in that same kind of blessing, experiencing the full measure of your joy within me.
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