Finding Happiness 

   “Find your delight in the Lord who will give you your heart’s desire.” (Ps 37: 4) 

   Happiness – everyone wants it, but few find it.  But what is happiness; what does it mean?  How I define happiness has everything to do with whether or not I can find it in this lifetime.

   Some believe they can find happiness by going to the right school or finding the right job.  But what if the “right” school doesn’t accept them, or others get the job they wanted as well as the promotions and advancements in their chosen profession?  Have they lost any chance for happiness?

   Others think that living in the right neighborhood, in a large house and driving a fancy car will make them happy.  But big houses and fancy cars cost a lot of money.  Without the advantage of the right school and a profitable career those things may be unattainable.  Without them, can they still find happiness in life?

   Many believe happiness comes with finding the right person to marry, even though they rarely understand what marital love really is.  True love, “Agape” love, is the desire for the good of the loved one rather than for self; it is a choice, not just a feeling.  Without this kind of love marriages often fail, bringing pain and sorrow rather than happiness.

   The problem with each of those paths to happiness is that they are essentially self-centered.  They depend on me, on my abilities, my drive and quite frankly a lot of luck.  They are also very much dependent upon each other.  Without one, the rest may be impossible to achieve.

   Happiness that weathers the storms and trials of life come from only one source: God.  The world can only provide a poor substitute for the happiness to be found in our Lord.  If I submit myself to Him and His will in all things I will find happiness and peace no matter the trials and disappointments of the world .