One of my favorite novelists once wrote a book called Getting to Happy. It followed the happenings of four African-American women whose lives took unexpected turns during mid-life. I loved the story (of course…I’m such a fangirl), and it made me wonder since life is so unpredictable, is it ever possible to get to happy?
What is Happiness?
According to an article in Psychology Today, in 2008 more than 4000 books were written on the topic of pursuing happiness. What is happiness really? By definition, it is the quality or state of being happy. And happy itself is the feeling of contentment, gladness, or delight over a particular thing.
But happiness, the feeling of being happy, tends to fade. So if you ever “get to happy” through whatever person, place, or situation got you there, the experience is sadly temporary. Though many make a big deal about pursuing happiness, most people end up on a “happiness treadmill,” searching for contented or glee-filled experiences. And if you receive the thing (relationship, baby, job, career status, better health, money, insert your heart’s desire here), your happiness meter hits the top but then begins to subside. And if you DON’T get the thing, your happiness meter doesn’t move at all.
I promise. I’m going somewhere with this.
What is Joy?
Here’s the thing. There’s nothing wrong with getting to happy. But there is something better. Getting to joy. (I know that sounds like a great journal title so please don’t steal it. I might use it. 🙂
The dictionary definition of joy is the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation. In a fickle world filled with ups and downs, to tie joy to people, places, or things is a recipe for disaster. God offers a direct path to real joy. It involves tethering joy to our relationship with Him.
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
John 16:22
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
Romans 14:17
Getting to Joy
I know. I know. I know. God and Jesus don’t rank high on popularity lists these days. But what I know to be true is that every single thing I’ve ever chased after for happiness has either failed me or faded away. I can’t say that about Jesus. The more I attach my joy to the fact that I’ve been given a permanent home in his Kingdom, I don’t worry as much about whether or not I’ll be happy on earth. Actually, it becomes a moot point after a while.
On earth, I’ll seek to do as much good as I can and I’ll pursue God every moment and I’ll open my heart and forgive and work hard and love hard and be generous and humorous and free and I’ll chase joy through the only one who can truly provide it.
Happiness? I don’t know. Maybe I’ll reach it.
Joy? I already got it. Today and always. Absolutely. No question.
Amen.