Finding Happiness: Faith

Yesterday I wrote about happiness in Material things.  Solomon reasoned in Ecclesiastes that we could find true happiness only with God in our hearts.

Can we have truly know God with out faith? No. Sure, you can go through the motions; go to church, be moved by a sermon and maybe even shed a couple tears saying” I really felt God’s presence.”

But faith is much more than a feeling. 

Faith is compassionate and empathic. There are many verses in the bible that tell of Jesus being sadden by someone’s circumstances or that he showed compassion for “the people”.

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food and   one of you says to them “Go in peace, be warmed and filled.”  without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? James 2:15-16 ESV

That’s not Faith. Faith is seeing a need and doing something about it; whether it is in your community or in your church.  Faith is knowing that God will give you the abilities or bring someone to you to help with a need you want to fill. So don’t just say  “Well I’ll pray about that.”  It is impossible to be compassionate and think of all your own troubles. Doing something for someone else is the best therapy you can get.

That being said, faith should make us happy.

You have filled my heart with more happiness than they have when there is much grain and wine. Psalms 4:7 MSG

Our family is waiting on a new little bundle of pink any day; in fact she is past due! I have faith she is coming and God will bring her happy & healthy.

Another way of showing my faith, and this one will make this JjaJja very happy!

Finding Happiness: "Stuff"

I was looking for a new devotion to start today.  There are so many really good devotions out there, but I didn't see one that sparked an interest for me.  There are devotions on hope, courage, strength, family, relationship, grace and more.  That got me to thinking… what about a great one on happiness.  Well there was a devotion on the happy church and a three-day on finding real happiness, and a goggle search provided a few more, but not much. 

The Bible brings us good news- good news makes me happy.  What about you?  I mean if someone said “I have good news for you!”  Woohoo I’m thinking I just won the grand prize!  So where are the happy verses in the Bible.  That is my quest for the next few days.

Ecclesiastes could be considered depressing book, but Solomon is really teaching the true happiness can only be found in God. 

12 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. 13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Solomon knows that life as we know it and material things won’t last forever, that “stuff” isn’t true happiness.  But we don’t know God’s plans, so the best thing to do is be happy and enjoy life while we can. No, the boats, golf clubs, newest video games, jewlery and all the other "stuff" you may think is going to make you happy, will not. But they are gifts from God, so enjoy!