During our recent high school “reunion” via Zoom, one of the tips given to us for life in retirement was determining and doing what makes you happy. Since time immemorial, people have been craving for happiness with mixed results. Some claim to have reached the coveted prize, while others have despaired of ever achieving it. Most are probably content to muddle along stoically with life’s ups and downs.
Is it really possible to attain happiness in this world of pain and brokenness? The Bible speaks not of happiness but of joy. The apostle Peter said to the scattered Christians in Asia Minor, “Though you have not seen him [Jesus], 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” (1 Peter 1:8). What makes this statement amazing is that the apostle was writing to a people who were suffering terribly.
Later in his letter, he reminded them, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1Peter 4:12). Scattered in tiny towns and hamlets of the Roman empire, those Christians were insulted, bullied, and persecuted. Yet Peter recognized that they “rejoice with joy that is inexpressible” even while undergoing such rejection by their culture.
This is the paradox of genuine Christianity. God’s people experience pain and suffering, just like the rest of fallen humanity. They are not immune to sickness and evil in this side of heaven. Yet, they can still rejoice. This is not the happiness that emanates from the shallow gimmicks of this world. But it’s a joy that bubbles up from a deep-seated assurance that God so loved them in Jesus. Such a joy is not natural to us but is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
May you not be content with the facetious happiness this world offers. May you seek the joy that comes from knowing Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
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