When I was working on making the blog for this week. I searched the Bible hoping to find some magic formula for happiness. X + Y = Happy. I found no such formula.  The Bible points to only one thing.

Happiness is fleeting and circumstantial, but true Joy comes from a right relationship with God.

 I think it’s summed up perfectly in the first few verses of the song, Grave into Gardens.

King Solomon was a man who was known for his immense wisdom. In the first parts of Ecclesiastes he reflects on his life and comes to the same conclusion that Joy comes from a right relationship with God. He had tried everything. He built great houses, planted vineyards, made gardens and parks, bought slaves, owned herds and flocks, and amassed silver and gold. He states, “I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused myself no pleasure” (Ecclesiastes 2:10). He had tried everything and achieved much, only to find that nothing apart from God made him happy. Solomon warned that success and prosperity don’t last long. Only the pursuit of God brings real satisfaction.

Jesus himself confirms this truth during the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5, he describes how to be “Blessed.” To Jesus being blessed is more than happiness. Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances, but Joy is lasting. Joy is the deepest form of happiness. It outlasts present circumstances (hardship, disappointments, loss), because Joy is based on God’s presence within us, and God is ever-present and unchanging.  

He states:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven….
Blesse are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled….
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
 

In conclusion, It’s not, Beauty + Fame= Happy. It’s not Family + Financial Success= Happy. It’s not Pleasure + Laughter=Happy. If we are looking for temporary happiness these formulas may serve that purpose. But the truth is these formulas won’t last. If we are looking for Blessings and Joy we must search for true and lasting meaning in God and then only than can we understand true and lasting joy.

Lord, I’ve searched the world and realized that it has nothing to offer that will fill me. I want to find lasting Joy in my relationship with you. Rework my priorities and my heart, so I live this out daily. In your name I pray. Amen.