The Key to Lasting Happiness

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy… - 1 Peter 1:8

What does it mean to be happy?

Dennis Wholey, author of a book called Are You Happy?, reports that according to experts, only about 20% of Americans today are happy. One psychiatrist, Thomas Szasz, even went so far as to say, “Happiness is an imaginary condition, formerly attributed by the living to the dead, now usually attributed by adults to children and by children to adults.”

To really understand the key to finding happiness, it’s important to first understand what it is. Looking at the biblical use of the word, we find ‘happy’ is most often used to describe a state of being emotionally satisfied with one’s circumstances. The problem, however, comes when those circumstances change.

This is why lasting happiness eludes almost everyone…because it’s based upon our circumstances, which can change in a moment. But there is a biblical attitude that, when we have it, will keep us emotionally satisfied even when circumstances change – it’s called ‘joy’.

The key to lasting happiness is to let God’s Spirit express joy through you that’s not based on your current situation. Instead of looking for your circumstances to satisfy you, look to God to give you His inexpressible joy in all circumstances!

Prayer Challenge:

Ask God to express His supernatural joy through you in all circumstances.

Questions for Thought:

How have you seen God at work creating an attitude of joy in the midst of challenges for you or someone else?

What circumstances are you facing today that require God’s supernatural power for you to find happiness and contentment?