Mike’s Musings …
Can’t We Be Happy Again?
Let’s face it: This old world is in a mess! War in Europe, threats from a nuclear-powered enemy of the United States, discontent in our nation, crime, greed, selfishness, etc., etc. It’s nothing new, but it is something that consistently increases day by day, month by month, and year by year. Anger, or at least unhappiness, seems to be the most popular attitude. Even among children, one misses the delightful times of old, as in their place are impersonal computers whose videos take them from reality to fantasy with the click of a button. While folks might tell us they are “happy,” the truly heartfelt joy in many people is simply gone! And we miss it.
May I encourage you to read the short, yet the positive book of Philippians? No less than eight times in this letter, Paul uses the word “rejoice,” assuring Christians that happiness can be theirs to enjoy! Take a look at what Paul said causes us to rejoice: “Christ is preached” (1:18); faithfulness within the brethren (2: 16 – 18); news of the returned health of a faithful brother (2:28); “rejoice in the Lord” (3:1); “rejoice in Christ” (3:3); and finally his inspired directive, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” (4:4) Further, Paul encouraged both Colossae and Thessalonica to rejoice: “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church. (Colossians 1:24); “Rejoice evermore.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
The point is our souls need to find our peace and tranquility in Christ. True happiness cannot be found in things of this world. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering … all these are in Christ Jesus and in Him, there is no greater quantity or quality than these essential delights (Ephesians 1:3). That’s why we sing, “This world is not my home; I’m just a passing through.” Our journey, yea, our lives are with HIM, not with the mortality of this cruel world (Colossians 3:1-17)
I muse on the joys that come from being with happy souls; souls whose delight is in the law of the Lord (Romans 7:22); souls who know what the joy of the Lord is and how to use it to bring joy to others! So, yes, there is much to make us happy again, and much to bring smiles to our faces, laughter to our hearts, and peace and tranquility to our lives. You’ll find it in Christ Jesus!