I’ve always wondered why when I am so happy, it doesn’t take long till something gets me down. Sometimes the low that came with that high was one of the worst I’d ever experience and it would affect almost all aspects of my life. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s ever experienced this… sometimes when am so happy, a thought crosses my mind: something terrible is about to happen, because almost always, something bad succeeded my happy moment. I got to a point I would be scared of being happy, because something bad would surely knock me off cloud 9.
I got my answer this weekend. The sermons preached in this weekend have really really blessed me and have placed me in places I cannot fathom. So I have learnt that happiness is actually temporary. Happiness is circumstantial and based on self interest. Yes, the same happiness I proudly gave as an answer when asked what I want to have in the future. Happiness usually comes from obtaining material things and my introduction to economics taught me that humans have unlimited wants. And that is why happiness does not last. You get the latest this but by tomorrow, they have released a better version and all that happiness goes out the window. You can laugh and be merry with your friends, but they won’t always be around you. Happiness never really lasts.
So if not happiness, then what?? I kid you not, the answer has been right in front of me but I never actually saw it: Joy. Joy is the answer. And no, joy is not equal to happiness. Joy comes from having a life of purpose; looking forward to the promises of God and valuing things of the kingdom of God. Happiness is about this mortal body, but joy, oh joy! Joy is concerned with the soul and concerns itself with others. Joy is not selfish and is not about satisfaction with the things of this world.
I’m not saying I don’t want the nice things of this world or getting what I want neither do I mean happiness is bad. But friends, what really matters is being close to God; having your eternal destination secured-that is where joy comes from.
Imagine, being loved by the creator of this whole earth universe, having him come down to die for you because he loves you that much. The Creator himself, going to prepare an awesome place for you to live after this life is over… tell me, how can that not make your soul glad? Even if you get tested left, right and center, having that hope, that you are his no matter what, that should give you joy. The bible even teaches us that the trying of our faith worketh patience (James 1) because all those tests and trials are building us and making us realize who we really are.
One of my favorite songs asks a very great question: after all the things this world can offer you, is your Maker going to be satisfied with you? What have you done for him while you were placed here on earth? What if he removed those blessings that make you happy? That car? That gift? Your precious gadgets? Would you be satisfied with Him? Like Job, will you say, “The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh, blessed be his name”?
I have found what I have been looking for. I have found joy. I am satisfied with my Jesus and no one is moving me. I don’t want to be consumed with the material things of this world. I want Him, most of all. I want that joy unspeakable that comes even when am neck deep in temptations. I know these todays are so worth the eternity I will spend with my Lord. Jesus Christ is the giver of joy. Know him and the things of the world won’t even matter.
May God richly bless Brother Haness from South Africa who preached this sermon on Discipleship.
-Luke 10: 20- Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.
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