Just How Happy Are You?

Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord! Psalm 144:15 (NKJV)

Some people must work at being happy, and yet others seem to be naturally happy. Anyone can fake a smile, but happiness that beams through a smile and shines through the eyes, that can not be faked.

One dear lady comes to mind who fought cancer and yet seemed perpetually happy, a glorious smile upon her beaming face. I admit that I envy such people. I have difficulty maintaining happiness even with small irritations entering upon my life, much less life-altering issues confronting me.

The Greek Philosopher Epictetus made the point to his students that affliction shows who a person truly is and their reactions to adversity is the most important aspect or measure of themselves. He said show me someone who is:

Sick and yet happy
In Peril and yet happy
Dying and yet happy
In Exile and happy
In Disgrace and happy
---Epictetus

For some of us attaining happiness will always take an effort of will and determination. For others happiness may be as natural as breathing. Whichever category you find yourself in, maintaining a happy attitude in adversity is a noble goal and admirable quality that we should all strive for because the Lord is with us in good times and bad, He sends both the rain and sunshine. While we enjoy the sunshine, the rain cleanses and purifies much like affliction and the refiners fire bringing forth the gold in our lives, pure and precious to God is the suffering of His saints (Psa. 72:14. Psa. 116:15).

You may not feel very happy right now, and perhaps for good reason, but happiness is a choice, and when we choose to be happy in spite of difficult circumstances, I think we show appreciation and offer up our gratitude toward God for giving us yet another day of precious life upon His glorious earth.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank You for this day, and appreciate every day You give to us. We will strive to be happy, making that choice today, no matter the circumstances in our life. Amen.

Karlton Douglas

Copyright 2016