It seems that people are constantly looking for happiness and an absence of problems and suffering.  We long for those happy days of childhood.  Perhaps this idea is perpetuated by the statement, “And they lived happily ever after.” Is this a realistic expectation?  Is it possible to achieve a life of consistent happiness?

Rather than searching for happiness we need to search for truth.  Truth, as found in God’s Word, brings us to a realization that life is difficult.  Jesus said in His final evening with His disciples, “In the world you have tribulation.”  Paul presents the same idea in 2 Timothy 3, “And indeed, all who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”  Since life is difficult, if we are seeking an absence of problems we will only face frustration.

Many people strive for happiness but it is often a fleeting goal, partly because it is a goal over which they do not have total control.  Jesus however, offers us something better – He offers us joy.  Happiness has the same root as happening, and is dependent upon circumstances.  Joy however, does not depend on our circumstances.  Joy is an attitude of trust and confidence in Jesus Christ despite my circumstances.  .  In the night in which He was betrayed, our Lord said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”

We see two paradoxical concepts; Jesus tells us that in the world you will have tribulation but He has also provided His joy.  Once you realize and accept the fact that life is difficult then you can truly experience joy.  Joy is not the absence of problems but rather it’s the presence of God.

It seems the harder we look for happiness the more elusive it becomes.  Don’t worry about looking for happiness; rather seek to have His joy.  Jesus said to His disciples, “But now I have come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy made full in themselves.”  Do you have the fullness of joy in your life?