A Question of Happiness

A couple of weeks ago, our Womens ministry had our annual Christmas event. I love these evenings. I love the women of our church. We had a night of singing carols, games, food (of course) and powerful testimonies of God's grace and redemption in the lives of 3 of our own young women.

In her opening comments for the evening Ruth, our ministry director described how she had gone shopping that morning, and at a well known store that sells fragrances, candles and such like, she found "The Perfect 3 Wick Candle." It came with a promise: "Happiness Guaranteed or Your Money Back."
Next she went to the card store and found a card that said: "God has promised Happiness and He is always faithful to His Word."

Ruth's question to me was, "In these last few years of your journey, would you say you agree with either statement?" I have spent some time thinking about her question to me.

In these 3 and a half years, I would not describe my life as happy. How could I be happy? My world had torn apart the day a distracted driver wrecked havoc on the 404.

Happiness...what does happiness mean?

The Merriam Webster dictionary defines Happiness as:
a)  : a state of well-being and contentment (synonym: Joy)

b)  : a pleasurable or satisfying experience

I guess by the second definition, candles would give you a pleasant experience. The question, however, was really addressing a far deeper need than a short sweet smelling experience. A candle cannot for sure - even a perfect one with 3 wicks, provide a lasting state of contentment. And I do not know how anyone would be able to prove that the guaranteed results did not work, to get a refund, anyway!!.

Now to the message on the card....
"God has promised Happiness and He is always faithful to His word." It does have a ring of truth to it - doesn't it?
God has promised - yes Our God keeps His promises. We know that truth for sure.
God is faithful - always faithful, Yes that is true too.
But has God promised happiness?

The women's small groups in our church had just finished a study in 1 Peter and and this short letter has addressed suffering in the lives of the believers. Peter was addressing the Christians who were exiled and were suffering tremendous persecution for their faith under the Emperor Nero.

Peter was realistic about their trials. "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." 1 Pet 4:12. He was saying ridicule, rejection and suffering are to be expected for the follower of Jesus Christ.

But he follows that statement with: "But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4:13.

Rejoice in suffering...That sounds so familiar does it not? A quick Google search on rejoicing in suffering brought up ever so many verses:

To quote just a couple:

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Rom 8:18
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Cor 4:17

Going back to the dictionary definition, the synonym for happiness was "Joy"

Is it safe to say then that joy - which is deeper and more lasting than happiness is attainable? But that it is found mostly in suffering?

Dear Reader, this is the Christmas season and the noise and cacophony around us is deafening. We are being offered and guaranteed happiness from so much around us. 

Would you stop to consider the message of Christmas?

God came down to us. Born of a virgin, just as God had promised long long ago.

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Is 7:14.

He lived amongst man, suffered, died and rose again in oder to open the way for us to have eternal life. 

Look closely at what Peter said to those early Christians. This message holds as true for us today.

In Christ we are born again to a living hope: "to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,  who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,  so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

If like me, you find yourself suffering various trials, hold on to the hope you have in Christ. Just as God promised us Christmas, He has promised us the day of His return. He will come, to right all wrongs, and to wipe every tear. This a promise that is guaranteed to you, only if you have accepted His Son as your Saviour. 

So Ruth, long answer to your question, God does not promise temporary happiness, He offers far more - he offers deep and abiding joy!

Happy Christmas one and all!