Happiness
is a fleeting emotion, easily interrupted by negative thoughts, words and
actions. Humans can experience the switch between the heights of euphoria and
the depths of depression in a matter of seconds.
When we seek
happiness from areas such as: circumstances, people, events, pets, career,
home, gardens, hobbies, and church, we can experience both elation and
disappointed.
In
disillusionment, we even give in to fear and anxiety. We feel apprehensive
about the future. God taught me to find freedom from fear by not focusing on more
than one moment at a time.
Fear will
dispel happiness quicker and put us in a deeper depression than any other
emotion, especially if we suppress the anger, which we feel along with it.
We have
the right to pursue happiness, but we cannot maintain it. However, there is
good news in the midst of this negative prognosis.
We can
continually dwell in an emotion deeper than happiness. This emotion is
spiritual and depends solely on the presence of God in our life. It is a fruit,
which God's Spirit works into our nature.
It is also
our strength to traverse the negative path we experience in life (Psalm 28:7).
There is no earthly issue, which can ever shake us from this positive outlook
on life. It is called JOY.
Even during dire circumstances, the Body of Christ world-wide, both in
times present and past, is an example of a people who love and trust our
amazing God for His constant provision.
Living in continuous joy depends on our focus and attitude. If we focus
on the negative circumstances, it affects our attitude and dampens our joy. If
we keep our mind on the delight Christ sets before us, we abide in His joy (Hebrews
12:2).
Prayer,
Father God, You reach down Your arms and hold us until our grief and
fears are gone (Psalm 68:5). You walk within us and guide us through the depths
of grief, distress and insecurity. Regardless of the negative circumstances,
Your peace and joy are our constant companions.
You love each of us the same amount and in the same way, regardless of
our sinful past. We are confident of Your continual, unconditional love for us
(John 3:16-17). This one fact gives us all the joy we need to traverse the
worst circumstances we will ever face.
Thought
for the Day:
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy always comes with the dawning of
each new morning. - Psalm 30:5
