I have been thinking about this topic a lot lately. How important is our happiness? I hear people talk about it all the time. “I’m just not happy anymore,” or “I’m happier now than ever.” The former implies that something needs to change and the latter implies that you are doing something right. So that brings up the question in my mind, how important is our happiness in relation to the purpose of our lives?
In my opinion our culture has become obsessed with happiness. It says it right there in our Declaration of Independence. But is that all that life is about for me, my happiness? What about sacrifice, selflessness, courage, and redemption? Is it possible to be doing what is right and not be happy at the same time?
I was talking to a friend about this the other day and she said, “But doesn’t that desire come from the Lord. Maybe we are looking for happiness in all the wrong places and it can only be found in Him.” I have since thought about that comment a lot. Yes, I definitely think we always find joy and contentment in the Lord, but I’m still not sure about constant happiness. If we are being obedient to God but are unhappy, does that mean that something is wrong? I just don’t think so.
I’m really opening up this topic to see what you think. How much should happiness affect our decisions?
Wow- tough question! I definitely struggle with an out-of-balance desire for happiness too often!! I know God wants us to live life abundantly, but I’m afraid His definition and mine of “abundance” are vastly different! I know my priorities in this area are out of place and I need to spend some time studying His Word to remind myself of His priorities for my life- glorifying HIM being first and foremost and that, so often, is done most effectively through circumstances which would certainly be described as UN-happy! Thanks for the reminder!
great topic. and i’ve been thinking about it alot lately too.
your bottom line question, “If we are being obedient to God but are unhappy, does that mean that something is wrong?”…??? i don’t really know how to answer that…what i think exactly.
i mean, constant happiness is just not going to happen. but, i think that just so much of it has to do with our attitude, focus, and the thoughts that we let ourselves entertain.
i have been ’struggling’ with this a bit lately actually, so your post made me need to write more. i just posted about it on my blog if you want to check it out.
I think it is possible!!! I have to contemplate the rest of my answer! Thanks for the thought provoking question.
One of the things that I rely on is that God promises us His peace, but he does not promise us happiness. There were so many times that Jesus was not happy while he was here on earth, but still had peace.
We need to be angry at sin (not the sinner even ourselves), sad by others suffering and desperate for God’s word. Through all of that we can have peace and not be happy.
I wish that He promised us happiness here on earth, but He does not. If He did, people would seek Him out just to be happy and not to love Him.
Rhonda
I immediately thought of Jesus in the garden. He was definitely not “happy.” But, he knew that He had to do the will of the Father. Of course, our unhappiness in not due to the fact that we’re going to die for the sins of mankind…but I do see a comparison for ourselves here. We can know that we’re doing what God wants us to do and not be “happy” about it. We can, however, in our unhappiness have the peace and joy that comes only from God. This is what must not be lost.
I relate this to my circumstance right now, too. I have a 6 week old. He requires my constant attention, even when I need to be sleeping or taking care of my other sons. I’m not “happy” when things are crazy, he’s screaming, boys are hanging from the ceiling, house is a wreck…but I love my baby and wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I think these are all great comments and I’ve still been thinking about this a lot. I’m planning to research it more in the Bible and post some more about it.
But…..Jesus was happy at times too. It is ok to be happy. When I think of ‘happy’ I see me and some friends laughing about whatever…the kinda laughter that makes you pee your pants. So I believe God created us to be emotional people and to be able to relate to other through the good and the bad. In the end it is all about Him and his kingdom and how does our happiness reflect on the kingdom. I think that is different for everybody. We all have a ministry and call and for some the call includes a good dose of happiness and others a good dose of troubles. Hopefully we use both to glorify His kingdom and Jesus himself. That is my bit….