Happy All the Time?

When I was a kid at church camp, we used to sing a song that went, in part, like this:
"I'm up-side, down-side, in-side, out-side happy all the time!
I'm up-side, down-side, in-side, out-side happy all the time!
Since Jesus Christ came in and took away my sin,
I'm up-side, down-side, in-side, out-side happy all the time!"

That song was deceiving.  There are some Christians who preach and teach along these same lines.
Basically, they tell you that unless your path is rosy or that you are happy, happy, happy, you are not 
1) really a Christian or
2) doing God's will.

What pernicious, incapacitating lies!  This kind of false teaching calls many new Christians and some veteran believers to either walk away from the life with Jesus or at the very least to doubt.

What is the truth then?  Shouldn't Christians be happy?

First, we need to differentiate between "happiness" and "joy".

Isn't happiness great?  It's just about the greatest feeling, right?  But, here's the thing - - - happiness is dependent upon what HAPPENS to you!  It is a feeling that accompanies the set of circumstances that you like!  Everyone who is old enough to have been told "no" understands that things don't always go the way we would like for them to.  Look at what Jesus said to His disciples in John 16:33. He said, "In this world you will have tribulation...".  (Tribulation is a word that means "big troubles".)
Ok, now, if the Author and Finisher of our faith promises us this, and we recall that happiness and troubles are not friends.....well, it only goes to figure that Christians will be happy at some times, but that it is unreasonable to expect that we will be happy ALL the time.

What about "joy"?  What is that?  Joy is different; it is not dependent upon or affected by your outward circumstances.  Joy comes from trusting the promises of God.  Look at the entire context of John 16:33.  Jesus also says, "be of good cheer!  I have overcome the world!"

Tomorrow we are going to talk about war.  But, for now, suffice it to say that this world in which we live is generally hostile to Christians.  Did you know, for example, that more Christians are being persecuted for their faith worldwide than at any other time in human history?

What is Jesus saying then?  He is saying that because we know that He has it all in His hands, that He is greater than our circumstances, we can "be of good cheer", we can reach down deep into ourselves and draw upon the joy the Holy Spirit gives.  He is saying, "Be joyful."

Is that easy during troubling times?  No.  Is it, however, a choice we can make?  Yes.  Does being joyful mean smiling and bubbling over with happiness when things are downright horrible?  No!  That would be freakish!

But, we can trust in God, run to Him for comfort and direction, and allow His joy and peace to fill our hearts.  Joy and peace are great friends!  He wants us to draw near to Him in times of trouble.

I don't know about you, but this does not happen easily for me.  I get so caught up in wanting the circumstances to be different that I waste a lot of time, energy and emotion on my unhappiness.  What I should immediately do instead is to start praying, seeking the will of Father and asking Him to give me His peace and joy.

Listen, Believer!  Jesus has promised that his Holy Spirit will never leave us or forsake us, that He will be with us even when this old world is ending!  So, even in those times when you fear that your world IS coming to an end, Jesus is there.  He sees. He loves you.  He wants to wrap His arms of love and comfort around You.

So, pray for that supernatural joy to fill you up!  But, here's a secret.  Praise Him during the time of trouble!  You know why?  God comes to be with you in a very special way when you praise Him.  The Scriptures say that He "inhabits the praise of His people Israel" (Ps. 22:3).  Furthermore, the devil hates it when we praise our Lord and declare that He is in control, that He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Have you seen that cartoon adaptation of Dr. Seuss's book, "The Grinch that Stole Christmas?"  It shows at Christmastime and is one of my favorites.  Here is my favorite part:  after all the Whos in Whoville wake up on Christmas morning to find that all the gifts and food and decorations have been stolen, they STILL gather around the center of town and sing a song of unity and praise!  It brings tears to my eyes every time!

Dear Ones, that is a picture of how believers should respond to adversity.  We should draw near to our Father, draw near to each other and praise Him!  What a testimony to the world that is, when we do this!  Dear Ones, choose joy!

My Beloved, thank you for giving me joy, although I tend to get distracted by my circumstances at times.  Thank you for your Holy Spirit who will never leave nor forsake me, regardless of what happens today, in the "nasty now and now".  Urge me to be resplendent in You today!  I love you, Lord!
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