Whether you are looking for a blank canvas to write out your feelings, prompts to guide your journaling, or plans to help you create healthy habits, you can get started with JournalOwl now. He was not in the strictest confinement, in a dungeon (as he later was). But then as I got older and more critical, I began to realize how strange and even wrong it was to throw around the idea of happiness so flippantly that whether you were happy or not, you better sing the song, clap your hands, stomp your feet, and shout hooray (or amen if you learned the song in Sunday school class). You have been faithful over a little;I will set you over much. 1. Say yes to the gospel as first in your life. The God of the Bible truly cares for humanity and has a plan to bring us into His family ( Hebrews 2:10 ). Keep the laws of God. It calms our fears and fulfills our deepest longings. All rights reserved. Only Jesus gives that joy." S. D. Gordon God made us for relationships. Paul says in Acts 20:34-35, You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. You are Gods work of creativity and artistry. Can every Christian seek first Gods kingdom? It wouldnt be an easy secret to learn, but it would lead to a happiness and peace that the world cannot give. Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/Sasha_Suzi. We long for the internal completeness, the harmony, that comes from being in the presence of God. That is where the trite acronym of JOY, Jesus, Others, and Yourself, is actually very helpful. It is important to recognize that the world around us can only offer so much. But my favorite act of serving God is revealing his truth in written format. The word blessed in the Bible is possibly best known for being used by Jesus in The Beatitudes during His Sermon on the Mount, which is recorded in Matthew 5:1-11: Seeing the crowds,he went up on the mountain, and when hesat down, his disciples came to him. But he was chained to a Roman guard 24 hours of every day. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. The Bible explains, therefore, that the way to happiness is not through selfishness but selflessness. Though you may face many trials in your life, you can still find happiness in the promise and hope of heaven. A Guidebook for Every Phase of Christian Singleness. When you seek happiness in Christ you will find it. The resulting volume, the first of its kind, is a highly useful and remarkably comprehensive resource for the study of happiness in the Bible and beyond. Positive Psychology lists a myriad of benefits to journaling including lowered blood pressure, reduced stress, increased immune support, better sleep, improved mood, and improved working memory. What is the core issue of the gospel? It's bigger than my circumstances and larger than my emotions. What Is the Difference Between Joy and Happiness? In 1 Thessalonians 2:20, Paul says the believers he is writing to are his glory and joy. The problem is, sin and the brokenness of this world get in the way of our happiness too often. But the problem that plagues humanity is not that we are looking for happiness in all the wrong places (as the many self-help books might tell you), but that we are looking at things in the wrong way. The fun thing about this is that the very delight God gives us is Gods very self the one in whom we delight! True, lasting happiness is found in Christ alone, but you can still experience plenty of joy and contentment in your life through meditating on Gods Word, journaling, engaging in fellowship, and seeking out professional counseling. He was well-educated, experienced, influential. Who were these critics? The Beatitudes show that your happiness is not dependent on your circumstances. The lens through which we try to see life is out of focus. The way to endure suffering is to remember you will have an eternal reward and happiness that will outweigh any suffering you experience in this life. So what does the Bible say about finding happiness? Blessed arethe peacemakers, forthey shall be calledsonsof God. Im not called to be an evangelist or preacher or missionary. God desires our. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospels shall save it (Mark 8:34, 35). 2:8, 9). If he got executed, he would be with Christ, which is better. Often, emotions are muddled by sin which makes it difficult to discern what is true. If you want to be more focused on Christ, then think about Christ-like things: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8). Paul calls these men brethren, but he calls the Judaizers false brethren (Gal. Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/evgenyatamanenko. The only path for the true Christian is that of learning daily to say no to selfish desires and yes to the lordship of Jesus. He has been married to Rebecca since 2008 and has three children, Brooklyn, Bryson, and Abram. The good news is that this eternal happiness is not something we must wait for. The Christian life is a life of daily, constant submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ in which, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, we say no to selfish desires and yes to the will of God. The Greek word for handiwork is the word poiema it is the word out of which we derive poem or poetic.. Thus saving faith necessarily includes repentance (turning) from sin. Kailey stepped away from the classroom to focus on her growing family and to better serve her church and community through volunteer work. Psalm 144:15 "Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD. There is a sense of gentleness in some of the verses that reflect what the experience of joy can be for many people. Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more. How AI is a Force Multiplier for Journaling, Verses about finding happiness via praise. The things of this world are easily destroyed by the decay of rust and the actions of thieves (Matthew 6:19-20). What Does the Bible Say about Visiting Graves? What Pleasure Measures What can one give in exchange for their soul? (Matthew 16:26). I did feel happy when my child felt safe and comfortable enough to go back to sleep, and I did feel happy when my mom was cared for, comfortable, and knew that she was loved. Pauls proclamation of Christ through his attitude and words in this difficult situation not only resulted in witness to these lost soldiers, but it also encouraged many of the Roman Christians. Thats not what it says! Praise results from the acknowledgment of the Lords activity in our lives. She currently is enrolled in theology courses to expand her Bible knowledge and follow 2 Peter 3:18 by growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ. He said, If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Blessed are those who hunger andthirstfor righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Again, the Bible explains that the pursuit of happiness is not the problem. Praise him withtambourine anddance; praise him withstrings andpipe! But then we read verses in Scripture explaining that a joyful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22) or that joy is a fruit of the Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5). It can be tempting to believe that happiness is based on a life devoid of struggle or strife. JournalOwl is the perfect platform to help you do all these things, so take the first step to your happiness now. 6:33). The ones Jesus calls blessed suffer many trials on this earth, but their happiness is found in their eternal reward in heaven. The Bible does not teach Christians not to pursue personal happiness; the Bible teaches us how to pursue true personal happiness in God alone, through Jesus alone. True happiness is achieved by resting upon the Lord. His life goal is to serve God and His Church by reaching the lost with the gospel, making devoted disciples, equipping and empowering others to go further in their faith and calling, and leading a culture of multiplication for the glory of God. HAP'PINESS, n. from happy. He had been used of God to pen much of our New Testament. Journaling scripture can be even more beneficial because you are writing out the truth. How do I find happiness when I am feeling? God also speaks to us through His Spirit. However, God in His kindness still provides many things in your life to bring you happiness. Why Are There So Many Different Bible Translations? They thought Paul was their captive, but Paul saw them as his captives! You were created for fellowship with others so that you could be encouraged and built up and so you could encourage and build up others. Psalm 1:2 says, but hisdelight is in the lawof theLord, and on hislaw he meditates day and night. Similarly, Romans 7:22 says, ForI delight in the law of God,in my inner being, The Bible is the very Word of God and if happiness is found in Him, then it makes sense that reading His Word would bring you delight. Getyour copy of The Ultimate Guide to Christian Singleness and access to all of our eBooks. Jesus is forthright about the difficulties his followers will face. Also, as well see in our text for next week (1:20, 21), Paul didnt even have a concern for whether he lived or died! TheLordyour God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing., Just so, I tell you, there is joy beforethe angels of God over one sinner who repents., For to the one who pleases himGod has given wisdom and knowledge and joy,, And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit., An the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The happiness the Bible advocates isn't dependent on circumstances. Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: . Paul warns against this sect in Philippian 3. (Matthew 5:1-12) In some translations of the Bible, the word "blessed" is translated as "happy." While that particular word may seem superficial, it does possess a profound truth. There is joy in knowing the happiness experienced on earth is not the climax; something better is coming. They love being outdoors or doing anything sports related. Joy is sometimes used in the same context, but it is also described as an attribute of the believer. Find good commentaries for scripture you do not understand. All rights reserved. You are Gods poem. They had sent Ephaphroditus to find out how Paul was doing. 1:8-9). The Law of the Lord - Happy are those whose lives are faultless, who live according to the law of the LORD. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Saving faith is a commitment of all of myself of which Im aware to all of Jesus whom I know. The Philippians were rightly concerned about Pauls situation. Butseek firstthe kingdom of God and his righteousness,and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33). From 1977-1992 he was the pastor of Lake Gregory Community Church in Crestline, California. "Entry for 'HAPPINESS'". 2:20), I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me. In Romans 8:12, 13 Paul put it this way: So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh [the old self], to live according to the flesh--for if you are living according to the flesh, you are about to die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live., The Christian life is decidedly not a life lived for self, for personal fulfillment, for doing what we think will bring us pleasure and happiness. 2. It is near impossible to be happy and not express it. "Live uprightly all the days of your life, and do not walk in the ways of wrongdoing; for those who act in accordance with truth will prosper in all their activities.". Sure, some of what it offers may be good and pleasurable, but it will always be elusive and transitory. We laugh. I saw an interview on TV once about someone that wanted to live as a woman after decades of living as a man. Entrust your prayer intentions to our network of monasteries. When you read your bible, put yourself in the story and imagine what life was like for the person you are reading about. Healing Prayers to Heal the Body, Mind, and Soul. Think of who he was--Gods chief apostle to the Gentiles. While happiness is a state of contentment and satisfaction, it is also an active experience. Would he be acquitted and set free? Wealth Does Not Bring Happiness 6 I have seen another thing in this life that is not fair and is very hard to understand. By now he was over 60, at a time in life when a man looks forward to enjoying the fruits of his lifelong labors. The Book of Ephesians declares, We are Gods handiwork, created in Christ Jesus (2:10). Let not your hearts be troubled, neitherlet them be afraid., Bible Verses About Finding Happiness When You Feel Anxious, casting all your anxieties on him, becausehe cares for you., Therefore I tell you,do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Copyright Aleteia SAS all rights reserved. Yes, happiness can be a tricky thing. He would also be accused of being in denial about his feelings toward his critics! Praise him with soundingcymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Paul is not suggesting that Christians should always be happy, but he is saying joy can always be found in Christ, regardless of our circumstances. You can say that you believe that an airplane will carry you from Phoenix to Los Angeles, but you dont truly believe it until you get on board. Yet, as James Boice puts it, In one deft sentence Paul shifts the legitimate interest of the Philippians from himself to the great undeterred purposes of God in history (Philippians: An Expositional Commentary [Zondervan], p. 60). Im amazed at how many people who attend evangelical churches cannot begin to explain the basics of the gospel to another person. Many think that the greatest change is that Christians no longer possess the pursuit of happiness. But thats simply not biblical. Lost people will want to know why were different, why we dont complain like everyone else. The Reverend Dr. Kyle Normanis the Rector of St. Pauls Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. Practice memorizing verses so that you have an arsenal of scripture to combat negative feelings. Discipleship is the only option for those who believe in Jesus. You have turned for me my mourning intodancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that myglory may sing your praise and not be silent.