This past month I became very ill, worse than I had ever felt
before, and after talking with a hematologist, more serious than I had been
aware of. During that time I shared with many for prayer, because I do believe
100% in prayer. Many very nice notes and prayers were sent, yet there were also
quite a few folks that shared thoughts showing they have believed the false
teachings by some about God and His desires for His children.
The basic thought communicated was that I could not be sick,
because God wants me to be happy, that is His priority. So it must be that God
is mad at me, or I am in sin, or I lack faith. There are many children of God
living in this fallen world that have become so confused on this issue, and are
suffering even more than need be due to this thinking. They have trials or
suffering in their life, which Scriptures tell us we ALL will have, because
this world is fallen, even our bodies are dying, but because of this teaching,
they translate that as a lack of love from God.
First, let me dispel some of the wrong over reactions to this
teaching. Many have tried to trivialize the question of whether God wants you
to be happy by comebacks that are really meant to cut, like, “God
does not care if you are happy, He wants you to be holy!” It is true that God
wants us to be holy, but that does not prove that He is unconcerned about our
happiness.
To say that God does not care about my happiness is ludicrous!
He is THE loving Father, and no father wants to see his child in pain or
unhappy. However, as our Heavenly Father, God knows that life in a fallen world
will include difficult circumstances that will directly affect our emotions,
impacting our happiness. God’s plan for His children is a path through
this life that He will walk through with us, not a bubble that will insulate
us! When my son began teething, I was sad that he was unhappy about it, but I
knew in the end, this was for his betterment. Believe me if my adult son could
only eat squashed food in little jars, he would not be happy!
The real question is more divided between two thoughts: What
priority does God give to our being happy, and, Is it possible God intends for
something better.
Let’s investigate this from God’s Word.
First, it is important that we properly understand that “happiness” is
based in the emotions, and will be as fickle as any other emotion. Consider:
Try and think of things that irritate:
Buses that move over three lanes suddenly to let off people. Taxis that stop in
the middle lane to see if someone wants to ride. Someone clipping nails at
church, or at a movie. Cell phones ringing during a prayer. People standing right
in front of your seat during a movie and talking about where they will sit. Add
your own! You could be in a “great mood” when one of these irritations takes
place, and suddenly you are angry, feel wronged, disappointed, etc. Happiness
can come and go like a breeze, one moment there, next gone.
The Scriptures teach us that there is a more mature condition
that brings a stability to our life, it is called - joy.
What is the difference between joy and
happiness?
Happiness is based on emotions and is directly
affected by circumstances. Joy is based on Him and our relationship to Him
What is so special about joy?
Since it is based on Him, it can be as constant as
He is.
Joy is Defined: Gladness, Contentment,
Satisfaction
* An
inward gladness not affected by outward sadness
* Something that everyone can sense but not put
their finger on.
What Joy is Not:
* Not a plastic smile
* Is not expressed outwardly the same all the
time, or the same by all people
* Not something you conjure up or convince
yourself of…not positive thinking.
Joy is something that is produced, this is even named
as part of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Consider:
1 Thess. 1:6:You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering,
you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
Neh. 8:8-10
They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the
meaning so that the people could understand what was being read. 9 Then
Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were
instructing the people said to them all, “This day is sacred to the LORD your
God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they
listened to the words of the Law 10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food
and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is
sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
The response is not based on temporal circumstances, but
eternal reality! God is with us, in the midst of our circumstances, and in the
end…how
long that is will always be in God’s hands…but in the end we will rule and reign with
God! That reality brings a Gladness,
a Contentment, and a Satisfaction, that no emotion can supply!
When I continue
we will look at what will keep God’s joy in us, what will steal that joy from
us and why joy is a far superior path to walk than trying to remain on the
rollercoaster of happiness.
Meditate: Does
your life feel like it is constantly going up and down? Do you believe God
loves you? Why? In one day how affected are you by your circumstances? Have you
ever studied the word Joy in Scripture? Would you be willing to try?
