People spend an inordinate amount of time seeking happiness. It occurs to me they are searching without a plan or any understanding of what happiness actually is. I think most people figure they will know happiness when they find it, but that’s a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack. If you want to be happy, wouldn’t it be better to define what that means before embarking on the journey?
The Bible gives us a good definition of happiness in John 13:17, where Jesus says, “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” Looking back further in the passage, we see the “things” Jesus is referring to are the teachings and commandments He has given them. When we obey God, the joy that brings will bless us. To be blessed is to be happy. Therefore, happiness is obedience to Christ.
I am in the habit of differentiating between joy and happiness, but there is no doubt one is quite happy when they are filled with joy. The more joyful our lives, the happier we will be. If we are seeking happiness, then we would do well to do those things that bring us joy. I am never more joyful than when I am reflecting on the magnificence and goodness of our God and King. If you are not feeling especially happy, try injecting some joy into your life by recalling all the blessings God has bestowed on you.
If you are so down that you can’t focus on the blessings of God, then remember our definition: happiness is obedience. Do the things God tells you to do in His Word. As you are obedient to Him, He will bless you, you will find joy, and joy produces happiness. No matter what is going on in life, we can choose to be obedient to Christ. Darkness and depression cannot coexist with the light of His love (2 Corinthians 6:14-17; 1 John 1:5). When we obey Him, the darkness scatters and we experience the joy of the Lord.
In this world, joy is a rare commodity. Our culture consumes itself with sin and delights in it. Too often, we are not so different. If we want to slough off the filth and darkness of this world, it all begins with obedience. When we love the ways of this world, we reject God (1 John 2:15). We are reveling in our disobedience. There is no joy in that. Don’t confuse a moment of satisfaction with happiness. It is a counterfeit emotion. Happiness is obedience and we will never find it as long as we live our lives contrary to the commands of God.
If you want to find hope, find Jesus. If you want to be happy, obey His commands. The blessings of God come to those who love Him, not those who reject and despise Him. Living in obedience doesn’t promise an easy life, but it does promise a joyful life. If you want to experience life to the full, you must obey the Word of God. Obedience is the only path to happiness. Don’t let Satan’s deceptions and promises fool you. The allurements of this world all lead to despair in the end. Happiness is obedience. Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:29). Obey His commandments (John 14:15). Find rest in His arms, joy in the journey with Him, and happiness in your obedience to Him.