An Invitation to Be Happy
An Invitation to Be Happy
I heard a sermon years ago on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12), in which the preacher pointed out that the word we translate to “blessed” in those verses more literally means “happy.”
(It’s true. See Strong’s.)
That seems so wrong in our western Christian culture…
Happy are those who mourn?
Happy are those who are poor in spirit?
Happy are those who show mercy to others?
It’s a very un-American ideal for happiness. But frankly, I don’t see a lot of happy people among those chasing the American dream… so maybe, just maybe, Jesus was onto something. Maybe the pursuit of happiness is a myth, and happiness comes from seeing the “because” clause wherever we already are.
Let me explain. For every declaration that Jesus made about the kind of people who are (or have a good reason to be) happy, He also told us the reason why.
Those who mourn can be happy, because they will be comforted by God.
The poor in spirit can be happy, because God’s kingdom is for people like them.
Those who show mercy to others can be happy, because God will show mercy to them as well.
I have a feeling (pun intended) that this pattern of thinking (Happy are… because…) probably works with most any feeling we might experience or situation we might find ourselves in.
To be clear, I don’t think it’s that we will automatically feel happy in these scenarios. I think it’s that we’re invited to have a change of perspective, and to find true happiness in the process, as we embrace whatever God’s offering to us in the exchange.
For example…
Feeling depressed? Well, happy are the depressed… because God is their salvation (Psalm 42:5).
Feeling sad? Happy are the sad… because Jesus is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).
Feeling angry? Happy are the angry… because in Christ, we have the grace we need to resist letting that anger drive us, and instead, can sit quietly before God and let Him help us sort out our feelings (Ephesians 4:26; Psalm 4:4).
Feeling lonely? Happy are the lonely… because in the desolate places, we become the most aware of God’s abiding presence and can hear His voice most clearly (Luke 5:16).
I think the Apostle Paul’s secret to contentment fits well with this idea, because while happiness and contentment may not be the same thing, they certainly do go hand in hand. Here’s what Paul figured out:
… I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:11b-13 (CSB)
The late Eugene Peterson had a knack for wording things more simply to help us get to the heart of the matter. Let’s look at that same passage as paraphrased in The Message:
I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. - Philippians 4:11b-13 (MSG)
The incredible truth that Jesus was trying to teach us in His “Sermon on the Mount” is the same truth that the Apostle Paul experienced in his own life: that true happiness and contentment are found by looking to Jesus, the One who provides for our needs in every situation—both in the good and the bad.
So what are you going through today, friend?
What are you feeling right now?
In Jesus, we have a genuine reason to be happy, whatever our circumstances. So my challenge to you is the same thing I’m challenging myself with:
Let’s search the Bible for our specific reasons to be happy in our current circumstances—the “whys” in His words. The reasons are there. We just have to find them, and to choose to believe that they’re true.
God graciously supplies us with all that we need, and so walking with Jesus is a moment-by-moment invitation to find a reason to be happy in every circumstance.
And couldn’t this world use more genuinely happy people in it?
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