Where does true happiness come from?
In asking someone where happiness comes from, you may hear several different answers. Common answers may include money, possessions, and people. I agree, those things may add to your happiness. However, if a person relies solely on these things for happiness they are sure to be disappointed. Say you are happy because you are rich. We all know how easy it is for finances to be turned upside down in the blink of an eye. If the money is gone, then the happiness is gone. Some rely on special possessions for their happiness, such as an heirloom or a treasure. What if a fire consumes all those possessions? The happiness went up in flames too. Some people's happiness depends on a particular person in their life, such as a spouse. What if that spouse becomes unfaithful, loses interest in the relationship, or dies? That person's happiness just left too. Human history proves you can't rely on humans 100% of the time.
Have you known a person without joy? Have you lived without joy? It is painful to watch and painful to live. Unhappy people are prime targets of the enemy. They seek something to fill them up, something to make them happy. If they can't get these things, they may turn to the unthinkable in order to find relief from their pain. This in turn leads to more unhappiness. If happiness doesn't come from money, possessions, or people, where does it come from? Let's see what the Bible says.
Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Here it says that joy comes from salvation. Salvation means that you have been saved from eternal death. Salvation means that your sins have been forgiven so that you may have eternal life. This is something free God gives to all of us. All you have to do is ask. Admit you are a sinner. Confess that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that He died for your sins before ascending to sit at the right side of God Almightly. Ask Him to forgive you. Make Him the lord of your life. All you have to do is call on His name and you will be given the gift of salvation. Salvation brings a joy that isn't dependent on anything but God. That means you can lose all your money, lose all your possessions, and even lose people around you and you will still have joy in your life. Sure, losing those things won't be easy to bear, but when your happiness isn't based on what you have/don't have your perspective will be different. Once you get past the grief of losing those things, your joy of salvation will still remain.
Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Bonus! Get your joy from God's salvation and He will bless you. That is where those previous things come to play: people, money, and possessions. God grants us those perks but doesn't expect us to base our happiness on what we have and don't have.
Enjoy Paul Baloche's "Our God Saves"", which I think goes well with this reflection.
Blessings,
Rachael
