Can I really be happy? If so, how do I get to the place where it’s not my struggles that determine who I am? How, oh how, do I find my happy place?
These are real questions and, if they live in your heart, you are not alone. I think everyone strives to be happy.
God wants you happy!
Knowing it’s God’s plan for your life is the first step! Ecclesiastes 3:12 makes this clear. “I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.”
You mean, God is not the one causing my sad times? Absolutely not! The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10).
Now, does that mean you will never have trials? All you have to do is look around to know there will be hardships. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
The question remains, how can I experience difficulties and yet remain happy?
You see, your “happy place” is not found in situations on earth, but in your Heavenly position in Christ! When you learn to live aware of him and the position He gave, you come to know your place by Him at the right hand of the throne of God. Ephesians chapter 1 tells us so! Guess what? There is no sadness in that place!
Jesus was happy on His way to the cross, talking about the joy before Him! Mary sang a song of joy, knowing all her friends and family would see her pregnant before marriage. That sure wouldn’t be easy! Paul and Silas were in the inner prison, a horrible place, singing praises to God.
You mean their happy wasn’t determined by their experiences? Positively not!
I can remember spending our first Christmas away from family. We were in Northern India and there were no signs of Christmas to be found. No snow falling, no trees lit and, trust me, no big holiday meal; how was I beyond happy? I was following His plan for my life, while living in His presence.
You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:11).
Your “happy place” is found with the heart. It’s not a location on earth, but a realization of who is with you and a knowing that He is taking care of you in the realm of the Spirit.
Happy is learning Acts 17:28. For in him we live and move and have our being.
It’s simple, really. You find your “happy place” in Him.
:O),
Judi Jo