The answer is yes, but there’s more to it. Let’s explore.
What does happiness mean?. We should start by defining “happiness. Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines happiness as: good fortune: PROSPERITY but also as a state of well-being and contentment: JOY. We’ll look at Prosperity and Joy, one at a time.
PROSPERITY
Throughout my childhood, I lacked some things that others seemed to effortlessly possess. My mother worked hard and struggled to provide for my brother and me. Don’t get me wrong, I was grateful to have the essentials—food, water, electricity, and a roof over my head. However, I couldn’t help but have a desire for nicer clothes (I had to sew many of my own clothes), a family car (to eliminate walks, bike rides, or bus rides), and a spacious home with beautiful furnishings (just like the magazines). I often found myself envious of others’ prosperity and at times harbored an inner bitterness towards a perceived unfairness. Comparing my circumstances with others was an easy pitfall for feeling unhappy.
Later in life, my husband and I had good jobs, a car and a truck, and a nice home. But was it enough to make me happy? There’s an illusion that happiness is tightly intertwined with material possessions and wealth. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? That nagging thought of, “If only I could get my hands on “XYZ”, then I’ll finally attain true happiness.” Once we do manage to acquire that coveted item, the cycle starts all over again.
The Grandfather Clock
Once upon a time, I developed an insatiable longing for a grandfather clock (I know that’s a pretty silly item to want but I did at the time). I had seen it in a museum and thought it was the coolest piece of furniture. There was a perfect spot in the hallway, begging to be graced by such a majestic timepiece. I researched its price and yikes; it cost over $20k. I remember even praying for it (God must have thought how ridiculous that was). But would obtaining a Howard Miller grandfather clock have truly given me everlasting happiness? Nope. Was it something God felt I really needed? Nope. I’m sure it would have only triggered a new craving for another object I convinced myself I absolutely had to possess.
The Prosperity Gospel
Yes, there are churches that pride themselves on teaching that God rewards Christians with health and wealth. It’s the teaching that faith expressed through positive thoughts, positive declarations over oneself, and donations to the church will draw health, wealth, and happiness into your life. Some call it the “health and wealth gospel” or “name it and claim it.” Today it’s known as the “Word of Faith” movement. Central to this teaching are the beliefs that salvation through Jesus Christ includes liberation from not only death and eternal damnation (which is true) but also liberation from poverty and sickness (not true for everyone – just look around). Simply put, the “prosperity gospel” teaches that God wants all believers to be physically healthy and materially wealthy (is that really what He wants for all of us?). As you can imagine, many people flock to these kinds of churches. Some of the prosperity gospel preachers you may have heard of are: Oral Roberts, Jim & Tammy Faye Bakker, Joel Osteen, Pat Robertson, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer, Joseph Prince, Benny Hinn, and Stephen Furtick. I’ll write more about this false teaching in another article one day, but you can learn more here.
“I believe that it is anti-Christian and unholy for any Christian to live with the object of accumulating wealth.” Charles Spurgeon
JOY
Joy is an emotion, a feeling, a source, or cause of delight.
I feel joy at the sight of my precious children and grandchildren. My heart is full of contentment when I witness captivating landscapes and their magnificent beauty, the tranquil blue embrace of an endless ocean, and a sky painted with the vivid hues of a fiery sunset. Joy transforms mere moments into cherished memories. God created us to feel joy, but not 100% of the time.
Our lives are an unpredictable tapestry woven with threads of both joy and sorrow. There will be seasons of trial and pain, but God is aware of our every struggle. You will not feel so happy during these down times in life. If you are a Christian, remember Jesus is walking beside you, a companion throughout your journey of trouble and hardship. In the forge of your adversity, pressure molds and shapes our character with each fiery trial. The greatest growth in your faith is during hardship.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James 1:2-3
Recently, I faced an arduous recovery from a full-knee replacement while simultaneously found myself with the unrelenting 24-hour/day challenges of caring for my, 92-year-old mother who was suffering from dementia. She could no longer walk and her words faded. Her diminishing physical and cognitive capabilities became an agonizing ordeal. It was a horrible time of shared misery. This year the Lord called my mother home, and we were both set free; the season of trial was over.
“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 Peter 4:12
In this broken world, countless faithful Christians endure harrowing circumstances marked by relentless wars, poverty, disease, and the looming threat of death. Evil persists as a part of our existence in this fallen world. However, God hears and remains attentive to the prayers of His children, answering them in line with His will and divine plan.
In life we will enter seasons of trial and seasons of happiness. When we walk out of that season of despair, we may very well feel a resurgence of joy and happiness.
Penned by the wisest man on earth: Solomon. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
On the other hand, some Christians find themselves in distress due to their own selfish choices, overspending on oneself, engaging in misguided pursuits, harmful relationships, destructive habits, even succumbing to sin. All of these may produce a temporary sense of happiness, that quickly vanishes.
God’s purpose for our lives is not to shower us with wealth – for happiness cannot be confined to material possessions. God is not a Santa Claus, a magic genie, or a cosmic bellhop whose sole mission is to grant every material desire. We were created to know God; He should be your greatest desire.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
The truth is, God loves you. There is a spiritual happiness that lies in a deep and meaningful relationship with God. It is in our journey towards salvation, repentance of sin, our continuous pursuit of a deeper relationship with God through reading the Bible and prayer, which will fill us with incredible joy – and that my friend will help us become immeasurably happy.
“Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!” Psalm 133:15
“Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful!” Philippians 4:4