Shirley
This thing called Happiness in sorrow
Joy and happiness are two things which the world teaches us only exits when everything in our personal and career life is going well or on a high or going according to our plans. That when we are the best in our careers or have the most money or when everything is right in our world, only then can we find true joy and happiness. Basically, the world teaches that happiness is defined by our lives going the way we desire or hope, and that our confidence should be in us having control.
This worldly philosophy often makes me laugh because it is the exact opposite of what the bible teaches. Indeed, the good book does this thing where it promises this radical idea of finding joy and happiness in sorrow or even when our very world may be falling apart, and in having confidence even when you are unable to control your life. This very radical idea does not make any logical sense to most of us. In fact, it often seems like a load of bullocks!
I am always fascinated by how the good book often contradicts the worldly truths, which unfortunately we are often so quick to adopt as the gospel truth without even questioning where these worldly beliefs come from. It leaves me dumb founded and wondering how many worldly beliefs do we take as the gospel truth without questioning yet it is completely untrue. So, what is the magic of finding joy even in the difficult and messiness of life?
However, don’t get me wrong finding joy or happiness even when we find ourselves smirk down in a valley with pain and uncertainty looming at every corner, is not an easy fete. It cannot be accomplished if we rely on our flesh, it is instead nothing short of a spiritual experience. A spiritual experience motivated by truly seeking the presence of God. It is attained by immersing ourselves in God’s word, worshiping, and creating room for the Holy spirit to move in our hearts. It is here that we remind ourselves of God’s love for us, that He has a plan for our lives, that He is in Control, that He has the power over all, that He is trustworthy, and that everything will work out for our good. It is only in this posture where joy and happiness that has nothing to do with whatever is happening in our lives is found.
Don’t get me wrong this spiritual induced joy and happiness does not take away the pain, discomfort or suffering, but it offers comfort and encouragement that enables us to be able to soldier on in confidence because we have placed our lives in God’s capable hands. When I look at the bible, the best example I can think is the story
One of the greatest stories in the good book that I believe brings to life this radical idea of joy and happiness even in days of trouble is the story of Acts 16: 22-24. It covers the story of Paul and Silas who were stripped and beaten with rods for preaching the gospel. Then after they were thrown into prison. Interestingly enough, even in prison they started to praise God and the other prisoners were listening to them. So fierce was their praise to God that there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. So incredible was the experience that their jailer gave his life to God because of what he had witnessed, and even took the two to his home.
Importantly, something very interesting happened to the Jailer while Paul and Silas were at his home. Acts 16: 34 provides that: “The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. Further, highlighting that our joy is not dependant on the external or even internal factors in out life, but as a result of the presence of God in our life.
So let us be encouraged, if you are in season where everything is falling apart or even where everything is going well, but you are struggling to find joy and happiness, then go to God and his word, and seek Him. In Him there is fullness of joy no matter the season we find ourselves in.
Verses to read
Psalms 16: 11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
John 16:24 Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.
John 17:13 But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves.
Habakkuk 3:17-19 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to tread on the heights.
Nehemiah 8: 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
John 14: 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 15: 11– I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Psalm 13: 5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
Psalm 9: 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
Acts 13:50- 52 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 31: 7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.
Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1-2 And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Romans 5:2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Psalm 71:20 You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. You will restore me to even greater honour and comfort me once again.
Corinthians 4:17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Psalm 126:5 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.
Psalms 34: 19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.
Psalms 9:9-10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Job 1: 21 Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.
Jeremiah 29: 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Luke 10: 20 Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8: 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Psalm 42: 5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.
Psalm 64: 10 The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5: 22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
John 16: 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Phillipians 4: 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalms 28: 7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Proverbs 10: 28 The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
Psalm 33: 21 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Psalm 30: 11 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.
Psalm 19: 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Psalm 5: 11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.
Psalm 4: 7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.
Philippians 4:11-13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Psalm 19:8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Psalm 16:8-9 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.
1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 118: 24 This is the day that the lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Nehemiah 8:10 Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Corinthians 12:10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.
Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Romans 5:2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
Nehemiah 8: 10 Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Isaiah 55: 12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
1 Chronicles 16: 26- 28 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendour and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Jeremiah 15: 16 When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.
John 15: 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Philemon 1:7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
John 16: 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
1 Peter 1:8-9 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 4: 12-13 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.