What Makes You Happy?

Romans 12:12 “Base your happiness on your hope in Christ. When trials come endure them patiently, steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer.”

Thursday greetings~

What makes you happy?  I have always said that I am happiest when all the chickies are in the nest.  My definition has broadened, however, because my two chickies flew the coop.  What makes me happy now is when they visit, and stay for dinner and conversation – when they actually turn off their electronic devices, make eye contact, and say stuff.

I am also happy when it’s me and Jorge and reruns of 1960s sitcoms to keep us company.  Plus, I am happy when I chat with a friend, have a cold glass of milk in front of me, am cuddling with a baby, or am holding the latest and greatest spy novel in my hands.

But what about when troubles come?  Can we be happy then?  Can we have joy when we do not feel well, or one of our kids is in trouble? When we are surrounded by problem after problem after problem?

The answer is yes.  It is possible to smile and laugh in the middle of all the madness.  This happens when we base our happiness on our hope in Christ.

What exactly are we hoping for?  Peace, health, a 100% problem-free existence, perfect love, and a time where “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…(Revelation 21:4”

And these are precisely the things that Christ has done for us.  Yes, we still have to live this life to get to the eternal one.  But God reminds us in this verse that when things get tough, even unbearable, we can proactively be happy that because of Jesus, one day, every thing we have hoped for will become a reality.

There’s a reason God encourages us to base our happiness on the hope Christ offers: EVERYTHING ELSE IS TEMPORARY.

If my happiness were based on my money, where would I be if I lost it all?

If my happiness were based on being young, I would have been in trouble a while back.

Babies grow up, relationships come and go, and perfect health does not last forever. 

But Jesus, well, He is a constant we can rely on!

  

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You for giving us so much hope.  No matter what is going on, help us to always keep our eyes on You and all the amazing blessings that are headed our way.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN~