The Search for Happiness

The Search for Happiness: Joy

1 Peter 1:3–9 KJV 1900

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

As followers of Jesus, we must find our joy in Christ, versus wealth, power, or popularity.

Perhaps, Zig Ziglar said it best, “Money won’t make you happy, but everybody wants to find out for themselves.”

Often, in our modern world, the joy we hear so much about is not really joy at all—in the biblical sense. Instead, it is usually a shallow happiness that changes with each new situation. This is different from Peter’s definition. Rather, he defines a joy that is ever present, even during life’s difficult moments.

We go through testing to prove the genuineness of our faith.

The Greek word for “joy” in verse 8 is Chara , which literally means a reason for joy. Our reason for joy is not what we find around us, but in the person on Jesus.

Having Joy throughout your faith being tested, is one of the greatest challenges we will face. With the world watching the church’s every move, we have an opportunity to show others what real joy looks like—even despite our circumstances.

You have to remember that in this life, there will be unhappiness. That life will be full of unfavorable circumstances.

Our living hope is an inheritance that is imperishable, beautiful, and reserved for believers.

Look to God for joy, rather than money, a job, or a significant other.

Luke 6:22–23 KJV 1900

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

Troubles for Jesus compound your interest in heaven—which last a lot longer than earth.

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I ask You to help me become so full of the Word of God that my entire being is affected by its life-giving truth. As I dwell on Your Word and let it live inside me, my heart will be filled with joy, my mind will be flooded with wisdom and understanding, and my mouth will be filled with songs. Lord, I know that Your Word will take me to the richest spiritual place I’ve ever known in my life. So help me make Your Word feel at home in my heart so I can start living each day like I’ve struck it spiritually rich! I pray this in Jesus’ name!

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that the Word of God enriches me with spiritual wisdom and insight. It puts victory in my heart and a song in my mouth! As I meditate on the Word, it enriches my life, and I always have something spiritually to donate, to bequeath, or to freely share with others. I am so filled with the riches of God’s Word that I automatically find myself admonishing and encouraging other people in their faith. I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name