Ibonio D’Souza
Human beings are always in pursuit of happiness. Academics have continued trying to identify factors that bring lasting satisfaction and joy. Hundreds of books have been written, and countless conferences have been held on the topic. Despite all these efforts, we can see that the experts have not succeeded. However, what remains elusive to them - the source of true happiness - is explained plainly in the Word of God.
HAPPINESS - What is the right understanding of happiness? The word happy in John 13:17 means “supremely blessed.” This word does not imply an absence of earthly sorrows; if that were part of the definition, then no one could be happy, since it is impossible to escape from sorrows in this world. Actually, the state that is referred to in this verse is a favour which only comes from God. It begins when we are reconciled to Him at salvation, and His blessing remains upon us as long as we stay faithful to Him. God is the source of true happiness, and it cannot be found apart from Him.
Happiness does not come from possessions, wealth, or power. Nor can sin satisfy, and it leaves a bitter aftertaste. It is certain that those who seek happiness in temporary things will never be satisfied. They may experience a measure of joy from certain events or amusements, but it cannot last long because it is dependent on circumstances, which are always changing. On the other hand, the happiness we experience when God’s blessing rests upon our lives is unchanging. It triumphs over earthly sorrows and disappointments.
Oftentimes, no matter how much people have, they want more. One man who has healthy feet will complain that he has no shoes to wear, while another man who has disabled feet praises God for his life!
KNOWLEDGE - The first requirement in the Biblical formula for happiness is “If ye know these things….” If we do not know what God would have us to do, then we certainly will not be able to do it. Knowing is a requirement for doing the will of God, so we are enjoined to learn the Word of God.
Some may question how God can give happiness in the midst of great trials. We may go through experiences that cause us to doubt if it can be true, but we have a promise that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Where there is obedience to the will of God, the joy will be there. This is God’s promise to us.
We have yet another example of Job. God Himself testified of Job that he was perfect, upright, feared God, and eschewed evil. Yet, he was tired. He lost everything he had, including his ten children. If he had loved his family more than God, that would have severed his relationship with God. But what did he do? He said, “Naked cam I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job1:21). What a life of surrender! Job’s faith was not merely words, but it was practical.
All of us go through trials in this life, but our constant guarantee is that God is always there for His people. He will never leave us nor forsake us, and He will never forget His own. When we know the will of God and do it, we will have God’s divine favour in our lives and happiness will follow, which will not just end here on earth only but will go with us into Heaven. May God help us fix our love on Him alone, our source of true happiness.