3 Keys to Happiness (Key #1)

What makes for a happy life? The answer to this question might be as numerous as people on the planet. But I want to explore what happiness looks like for those who believe in God. Are we "allowed" to be happy? Is happiness something God desires for us? How did Jesus define happiness?

As I explored these questions in a class I taught recently, I was encouraged by the answers I found. I discovered that God isn't the cosmic killjoy. I also learned some pretty important stuff about what real happiness looks like, and it doesn't look like Hollywood. In my searching I ran across three key components that seem to unlock the door to happiness; a real, almost tangible happy. I thought I would share these with you, and in doing so hopefully spread the happiness.

Key #1: Believe ("Trust")

Happiness has the opportunity to begin the day you believe in Jesus. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6, NIV) God, being the author of all life, is really the only one who can give us true happiness. He made us for Himself. So, any other "use" of our lives other than bringing glory to God is empty, futile, and "unhappy." We must believe that our sins were paid for by Jesus on the cross. Through such belief a seed is planted in our soul that, when watered by truth, grows into a mighty tree of righteousness, peace, and even happiness.

(Take a few moments today just to ponder the significance of what Jesus did for you on the cross. Can you really come away from such meditation without a smile on your face and happiness in your heart? I can't...)

Jesus also said, "I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)." (John 10:10, Amplified Bible) Jesus couldn't have been talking about physical life here, otherwise he would have been deemed insane. Everyone he was speaking to was alive physically. Therefore, the "life" he was talking about must have been spiritual, or supernatural; not of this world. This is the life he gives, and he gives it unreservedly; until it overflows. Life such as this could not be glum (why would Jesus give a "gift" of unhappiness?). Jesus describes this life as abundant, ongoing, and supplied by himself. This means this "abundant life" is eternal, connected to God in a mysterious, spiritual way.

So, to begin down this road to a happy, or abundant, life one must have faith. It is required. You cannot experience real happiness (i.e. abundant life from God) without faith. And this faith moves us to live with perspective and focus. Perspective gives us a view of the "big picture," while focus helps us live in the moment at hand. But what perspective do we need to be truly happy? And what must we focus on in the daily moments to enjoy this overflowing life?

Perspective

1. I do not know it all.

So much happiness in life is missed because people simply will not embrace the big picture perspective that they don't know it all - and never will. When I began to live with the conscious realization that I didn't have all the answers, I began to experience increased peace in my life. And peace is a cousin to happiness. Not having all the answers doesn't make you dumb. It means you are like everyone else in the world: ignorant. Our ignorance among us certainly varies greatly but the fact remains that no one knows it all. This perspective helps you take a step back when life begins to overwhelm you and you can remember also that...

2. Life is "seasonal."

There are good days and bad days. Good years and bad years. Up weeks and down weeks. As some have said before, "The only thing that is constant in life is change." If you are in a valley today, you will one day be on a mountaintop and vice versa. Understanding this truth about life can actually help move you toward happiness even when your life is upside down. This seasonal perspective reminds you that no circumstance is so good or so bad that life can't change direction tomorrow. This perspective gets your eyes off the hills and valleys of each day and helps you put each situation into the context of seasons.

3. God is always good, despite negative or painful circumstances.

We Christians love to spout this truth, but often find it hard to embrace in the dark, doubt-riddled days. But it's true, nonetheless. God is always good. And He is always for our good. When it appears God isn't doing anything, He is. When it seems God has abandoned you, He hasn't. When you wonder if God really loves you, He does. God moves and works in ways that we cannot see or understand. But He is moving and He is working. And His love for us compels Him to move us toward truth and goodness, even when the circumstances seem to bring contrary evidence. Clinging to the truth that God is always good helps put all things into perspective, and opens the door to happiness you never knew was possible in the dark moments of life.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 - Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. (NIV)

You CAN enjoy happiness in spite of painful, negative circumstances. Why? Because the God of the universe is crazy about you and literally went to the ends of the earth to woo you back.

Perspective reminds us, as Rich Mullins once wrote, "It's OK to be lonely as long as you're free."

Focus

Perspective is great and it has its place, but what do you do in the moment? How can you experience happiness today, when the bills aren't paid, the baby is crying, the car is making some unknown rattling noise, and the boss yells at you because your project is late? Is happiness even possible in the here and now? This is where focus comes in. It is easy to drift in this life. So many distractions, so many urgent tasks, so many lies and temptations swirling around our lives.

We must focus on truth, not self, in order to give happiness opportunity. Jesus said, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32, NIV) Set us free from what? Free from self, lies, the world's way of thinking. Filling your mind with truth and focusing on that throughout the day will give you what you need in the moment you need it. You have no chance at happiness (abundant life, that is) when focused inward or when focused on your circumstance. When focused on truth, however, you gain perspective (remember that?) and open the door to peace and happiness.

Hebrews 12:2-3 - Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (NIV)

Do you want to live a happy, abundant life? Sure you do. Then the first key to such a fulfilling life is to believe, for "apart from Christ you can do nothing."

Stay tuned for Key #2...

jonathan