Happiness. It seems to be a national obsession: attaining happiness, the lack of happiness, the search for happiness, the pursuit of happiness. This is so much so, that there are happiness seminars, college courses on happiness, scientific studies and research on happiness, and there is even The Happiness Institute. In a recent survey of college students, happiness was ranked above money and health. Happiness means different things to different people, but it is very much a dictating factor for each and every one.
To be happy is to be delighted, pleased, cheerful, in high spirits or satisfied. It’s been said that happiness is related to: genetics; having relationships; income levels; goals; quiet time; ease of anxiety and stress; if you want to be happy, act happy; discover what makes you happy and keeps you happy.
Maybe those are all factors in happiness.
Standing still with the concept of happiness, I have come to a few conclusions.
Happiness is enjoyable. It is a pleasant and wonderful state of being. But it is temporary. Happiness is often fleeting. It is a feeling which is based on circumstance. It’s not really an attainable lasting state of being that will bring true joy or peace.
The only real way to possess joy in life (‘true happiness’ for those that are stuck in that mindset) is to be content.
Contentment. To have fulfillment, to be at ease, gratification, pleasure, serenity, peace.
People need to LEARN to be CONTENT. Contentment is a state of being which does not rely on circumstance. When one can have contentment, there is no need to possess material things or have outer experiences and actions to attain a feeling. Life will always be filled with challenges, sickness, sadness and obstacles. But, contentment brings peace … satisfaction … joy… and therefore then and only then can one possess ‘true happiness’.
So...I have happiness at times and sadness at times; joys and sorrows. But through it all I am content – satisfied and at peace.
I want happiness in life but I value and enjoy contentment so much more.
I wish all my family and friends happiness but I pray for them to be content - as I do for each of you.
Philippians 4:11-12
… for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
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