What is a happy life? So much of our time and energies seemed to be consumed with pursuing happiness and a good life. I guess it might be important to know what it is we are running after so diligently.
I believe that a happy life is more than merely a lack of frustration or angst and certainly more than the presence of fortuitous events and emotional calm. These may indeed be facets of a happy life but I believe that there perhaps are three primary things that a happy life consists of:
1. A happy life is living a life of significance that counts for something
We all want our lives on this earth to count for more than “here today and gone tomorrow”. Furthermore we want to know that our lives have value and meaning.
2. A happy life is living full of love, joy, hope, peace and contentment regardless of the circumstances
Additionally we know that when there is inner turmoil and dissatisfaction it seems to rob our lives of something sacred. Deep within we know that something is wrong when sadness, fear and worthlessness gnaw at our soul.
3. A happy life is throwing off the things that corrupt, entangle and destroy
Last but not least we know that there are certain things in this life that eat away at our inner being, and seem to work against the very things we really know are right and good. We know that there are wicked, evil things out there, but at sometime in our lives we also come to realize that there is something broken within us as well.
These three things will indeed make a happy life, however we simply cannot gain these through elbow grease, will power, self-righteousness or intellectual prowess. Our goodness isn’t good enough. Our ability is insufficient. Our faithfulness comes up short and our understanding leads astray.
But the good news is that a happy life is attainable!
The happy life is possible because God:
- Forgives sin
- Pays the price we owe but cannot pay
- Cleanses our hearts and minds
- Gives to us His righteousness, and
- Fills us with His perfect, Holy, all-capable Spirit
We do have a role to play in this however. We must believe. We must believe and receive what He offers.
- God says He gives us the right to become Sons and Daughters if we believe Him and receive Him.
- God has every good and perfect gift prepared for us. We just have to ask.
- God says to abide in Him and let Him abide in us.
A happy life is found in God. He will give you a life of significance. He will fill you with all love, hope, joy, peace and contentment. He will deliver you from evil and everything that entangles, corrupts and destroys.
Let God give you a happy life, in this life, and believe me, the eternity hereafter will be bliss!!
Pastor Michael Johnson 