The Two Lane Highway to Happiness

Someone recently told me that they were “not going to be unhappy anymore.” It sounded to me like they were going to take control of their life to the point where nothing would happen that would make them unhappy. I don't think we have that kind of control. Life happens!

This statement concerned me because happiness is fleeting, especially if based on people, whether it be a spouse, a girlfriend, or a friend. Other things we sometimes base our happiness on are children, a career, a house, money, your retirement or even unrealistic expectations. These set us up for failure, or at least a let down. It is dangerous to think we will never be unhappy in this life. But it is imperative for us to be ready for life's hurts and have a foundation to rest upon when those times come.

At first I thought of a happiness equation as a two way street to be happy. But a two way street is two lanes going in opposite directions. I would rather picture a two lane highway going in the same direction. As Martha Washington said in this quote, “ I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.”

So one way to be happy is by our disposition – a person's inherent qualities of mind and character. Synonyms include: temperament, nature, character, constitution, makeup, mentality. Not everyone has this type of disposition, so where do they find happiness? And what happens to the person blessed with a happy disposition when they are bombarded with the trials and disappointments of life? Sometimes they can talk themselves into soaring above the nasty things that happen. But occasionally even these fortunate people get knocked down to the bottom.

There is a better way! It is found in what the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:12-13, “I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Jesus' disciple, Peter, wrote this in I Peter 1:3-9, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a loving hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that perished though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

The second (and best) way to be happy is through Christ. The above portion of scripture tells us that God the Father has caused us to be born again to a loving hope. This is the basis of happiness in our heart. It includes the lifting of the burden of sins by the blood of Jesus washing them away into the sea of forgetfulness - Micah 7:19. And Jesus comes to abide with us in our heart: Ephesians 3:17, “that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

This is real happiness! This happiness will remain with you no matter what befalls you here on this earth.

Jesus never fails! Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

I Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.”

Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with the righteous right hand.”

Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” -Denis Waitley

Note from Anita:  I am so sorry for the odd sizes of print near the bottom of this blog post.  I have no idea how it happened or how to fix it.  If you do, please private message me! I will be grateful