Can I Be Happy? Yes, You Can

INTRODUCTION

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy, at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

– Psalm 16:11

The relentless pursuit of happiness is an intrinsic and fundamental desire deep within everyone. A profound and universal longing transcends all cultures and societies, binding together people from all walks of life as they strive to attain a sense of fulfillment, unbridled joy, and true happiness. We continue to grapple with numerous pressing issues today, including famine, war, economic downturns, high divorce rates, health challenges, poverty, security threats, resentment, and widespread hatred. Many interpersonal relationships are, regrettably, based more on convenience and expedience rather than a genuine and deep-rooted connection. These issues affect individuals of all ages and walks of life, leading to a range of problems, such as suicide and a multitude of other difficulties.

How can one possibly find true happiness and joy in a world filled with unhappiness and calamity? Sometimes, our joy is not complete, but we learn from the scriptures that there is fullness of joy in God’s presence. One crucial measure of an individual’s well-being is their life satisfaction, a reflection of their overall perception of life. Research has shown that older adults who report higher levels of life satisfaction tend to adopt healthier habits, such as regular physical activity, balanced dietary habits, and proactive health management, leading to improved well-being.

However, the aging process presents its unique challenges, including social isolation, declining physical health, and increased mental health concerns, all of which can significantly impact an individual’s ability to maintain a high level of life satisfaction. Therefore, understanding the multifaceted factors that influence life satisfaction is paramount. This understanding can guide the development of targeted policies and programs that benefit people of all ages. By understanding these factors more deeply, we can design and implement interventions that bolster social support, manage physical health, and provide better working conditions, improved health services, social recreation, and mental health services. This inclusive approach can foster higher levels of life satisfaction among young people and older adults, contributing to a more satisfied and healthier society.

Several factors significantly impact the overall well-being of individuals in different countries. These factors include age, gender, education, income, living conditions, social connections, engagement in activities, social affiliations, religious beliefs, health-related behaviors, physical health, and access to healthcare. Research consistently shows that challenging early life experiences, financial instability, lack of support in later years, bodily vulnerability, and feelings of loneliness are strongly linked to lower levels of life satisfaction among adults. Both health and financial factors play a significant role in influencing the life satisfaction of adults globally.

In the current global landscape, happiness, joy, and contentment appear to diminish, a trend that extends even to the Christian community. Consequently, numerous individuals are persistently striving to attain these elusive emotions. Many people have yet to encounter genuine and enduring happiness, leading some to question its existence and harbor hope of solely finding it in the afterlife.

Can I be happy in life? Is accurate and lasting happiness to be found in this life? According to the teachings of the Bible, the answer is unequivocally “Yes.” For those of the Christian faith, the quest for happiness is not merely a personal endeavor but a divine directive. It is believed that God desires His followers to experience joy. The scriptures show a remarkable display of great joy, even in the face of persecution and tribulations. In the book of Acts, we see how the first Christians not only shared their meals with open hearts, but they did so joyfully (Acts 2:46). As they traveled and spread the message of the gospel, they brought great joy to the people they met (Acts 8:8).

Despite facing persecution and challenges, they maintained a deep joy and remained abundantly filled with it. This demonstrates their resilience and unwavering commitment to their faith. Acts 13:52 vividly portrays the disciples as filled with immense joy and the presence of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the profound sense of happiness and spiritual fulfillment experienced by the early followers of Christianity. Romans 14:17 conveys that the kingdom of God is not solely about physical sustenance but also about upholding righteousness, fostering peace, and embracing joy through the Holy Spirit.

The pathway to experiencing enduring joy and genuine happiness involves intentionally fostering a deep awareness of God’s continuous presence in our daily lives. This deliberate practice allows us to sustain our happiness even in the face of adversity as we draw strength from the unwavering assurance of God’s abiding companionship. This profound message is underscored in Philippians 3:1, where believers are earnestly encouraged to actively seek and embrace joy in the Lord, regardless of their circumstances. Similarly, Philippians 4:4 serves as a poignant reminder of the intrinsic need to always rejoice in the Lord, regardless of the external factors at play. Moreover, 1 Thessalonians 5:16 further expounds on the command to engage in unceasing rejoicing, emphasizing the profound and perpetual nature of genuine joy that transcends fleeting moments of happiness.

Pursuing happiness is a universal quest that resonates with many, as we all seek fulfillment in our personal relationships and professional pursuits. However, this journey is often fraught with the challenges of daily work life, including job dissatisfaction and strained relationships with colleagues or superiors. This shared pursuit of genuine happiness can lead us to consider significant changes in our lives, such as ending relationships, seeking divorce, or exploring new job opportunities.

I recently heard about a woman working for the same bank for several years. She was offered a promotion to become a senior financial consultant at a new branch, which came with an attractive salary and benefits. Despite the promising career opportunity, she resigned due to personal relationship issues in the new location. When asked about her choice, she explained that her request to transfer to a different branch or her previous location was turned down. She firmly believed that continuing to go to work every day while feeling unhappy and frustrated wasn’t worthwhile.

This true story illustrates that authentic happiness and joy are not chance encounters, but rather intentional states of being. They cannot be acquired through material transactions and possess a quality that transcends monetary value. Though wealth may procure medicine, it fails to secure genuine well-being. Indeed, there are affluent individuals who have passed away in a state of deep discontent. True happiness is a mental and emotional state, accessible to all, including those who identify with the Christian faith.

Humans often engage in immoral behavior to pursue happiness, only to feel more sorrowful. For instance, I recently had a conversation with a woman who thought she could attain happiness by being in a relationship with her husband and a lover. Mistakenly, she believed that what she couldn’t find in one man, she could find in the other. However, instead of finding happiness, this only intensified her unhappiness. This precarious situation led to emotional turmoil, conflicting desires, and a loss of trust within her relationships. It serves as a poignant reminder that pursuing happiness through unethical means often leads to more significant distress and disillusionment.

Christians are encouraged to foster a profound sense of gladness and contentment within their innermost beings. This divine instruction is beautifully expressed in Nehemiah 8:10, which proclaims, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” These passages highlight the anticipation for followers of God to experience delight consistently. Moreover, additional Scriptures, such as 2 Corinthians 6:10, demonstrate the intricate interweaving of sadness and happiness, while 2 Corinthians 7:4 underscores the importance of upholding joy in the face of hardships. Together, these verses emphasize the enduring essence of genuine joy, which surpasses fleeting moments of merriment.

The difference between earthly joy and biblical or divine joy is significant. Earthly joy results from temporary events or circumstances that bring about feelings of happiness, such as accomplishing a personal goal or experiencing financial success. However, this type of joy is short-lived and can quickly turn to sorrow in the face of challenges, like losing a job or a setback.

The forces of darkness oppose those who refuse to be sad and stand firm against falling into despair. When a person is constantly filled with joy and praises God daily, this contrast becomes apparent to the enemy. If that person’s joyful expression falters for even a day, the adversary may perceive it as an opening to launch an attack. Joy is described as a fruit of the Spirit that all believers are encouraged to nurture (Galatians 5:22). Hence, the absence of joy could signify a lack of spiritual productivity as a Christian.

The source of our inner strength and resilience is deeply intertwined with the joy that comes from having faith in the Lord. During times when our hearts are burdened with troubles and confusion, it may signal a lack of belief. In John 14:1, we find a reassuring and comforting encouragement: “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.” This verse serves as a profound reminder to maintain our faith in both God and Jesus, even in the midst of turmoil.

In the book of Luke 10:17-20, there is a clear illustration of the distinction between earthly joy and divine joy. When the disciples returned from their mission, they were filled with joy because even the demons were subject to them through the name of Jesus. However, Jesus reminded them that true joy should come from knowing that their names are written in heaven rather than their earthly successes. This is a poignant reminder to prioritize lasting spiritual joy over transient earthly pleasures.

Explore more from Dr. Pastor Emmanuel Atoe inspiring collection and continue your path toward growth and empowerment:

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