Seeking Happiness: Easy or Hard?

“Why does it seem like other people are happier than I am?”

Some of us may have thought that. Or even if we do not always feel that way, at least we have wondered about it. The meaning of happiness differs for each person, because our situations are not the same. Still, I believe everyone wants to be happy and will pursue happiness.

So, where and how do we find true happiness?

Happy in Trials

“My brothers and sisters, count it all joy whenever you fall into various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” – James 1:2-4

According to the Indonesian dictionary, ‘happy’ is a state or feeling of joy and peace (free from everything troubling). When I fell into depression, I found it hard to define happiness. I even forgot what happiness felt like.

I shared this with my therapist, who then asked, “What do you feel when I hug you at the end of every therapy session?”

I said that she hugged me like a mother hugs her child. It made me feel warm and calm, for a moment ‘free from everything troubling.’

Feelings of happiness easily arise when life is easy, smooth, and fortunate. However, when we are faced with trials, challenges, and problems, God wants us to regard each of those experiences as a joy.

Why?

Because God is present in every season of our lives, including when we are in the middle of a ‘storm.’ God wants us to persevere as we are being perfected in His process. Realizing that will enable us to see the light behind the clouds. We can see the bigger picture of our situation. Instead of focusing on suffering, we can look to Him who always shelters us with His love.

Happiness Is Fully Trusting

“Blessed is the one who puts his trust in the Lord ...” – Psalm 40:4a

When I experienced depression, it was as if I had color blindness in the middle of a colorful world. People with color blindness cannot define colors, just as I could not define happiness.

The Bible’s measure of happiness is when we do not put our trust in temporary things, such as money, position, or appearance, but trust in what is eternal (Colossians 3:1-4).

You will not take possessions and status with you to the grave. But the pure and simple things, those who stand by your side in sorrow and joy, friends who sincerely help you, beautiful memories with lovedones, the word of the Lord—those will remain a part of you forever.

It is okay if right now you are blind to the ‘color of happiness.’ Trust in the guidance of God, because He is the Source of Joy who will make your life colorful again.

Happiness Becomes Complicated When We Look in the Wrong Place

"Meaningless, says the Teacher, meaningless, utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” – Ecclesiastes 1:2

In difficult times, we are easily tempted when offered a shortcut. Or presented with an instant solution that can help us escape our problems for a moment. Yet after it all passes, we find ourselves trapped again in a similar situation—with even worse feelings than before.

Living in the Lord or not, trials and challenges are always there. What makes the difference is the choice we make to keep trusting in the care of the Lord. Everything will be in vain when we seek happiness in the pleasures of sin. Only in the Lord, will you find new hope and true strength.

So, count it as joy if you are in trials. Surrender to God, and seek happiness in Him. Believe that if we are with God, all those hardships will shape us into more mature and stronger Christians.

* Church GKDI currently is in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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