Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: JOY (10/28/21)
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TITLE: Where’s the Joy? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dudley Anderson
11/01/21 -
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Pastor and author, Clarence Macartney, in answer to the question, "Where is happiness?" once said, "Happiness is not found in pleasure. Lord Byron lived such a life if anyone did. But he wrote, ‘The worm, the canker, and the grief are mine alone.’ Happiness is not found in money either. Jay Gould, the American millionaire, had plenty of that. But when he was dying, he said, ‘I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth.’ Happiness is also not found in position and fame. Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share of both. But he wrote, ‘Youth is a mistake, manhood a struggle, and old age a regret.’”
What is happiness? Money can’t make you happy, many friends can’t make you happy, fame or status can’t make you happy and a life of pleasure can’t make you happy. I believe happiness is a state of joy not strife for pleasure. In other words, happiness is not something we could strive to attain by circumstantial benefits, rather it is a state of joy because of contentedness. I have discovered that there is only one place true joy can be found, irrespective of circumstances, and that is being content to walk in the perfect will of God.
Following Christ is happily desiring to walk with God and remaining in his perfect plan for your life, no matter what happens. His plans are for your wellbeing, peace, and joy. He will never abandon you and will always meet your needs. Be content with that. If you have completely handed your life over to love and serve God, through surrendering to the lordship of Jesus Christ, then you will be content in all life throws at you and you will enjoy a journey of true happiness. This knowledge is, as the psalmist said, “Too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.”
Your walk with Jesus will take you through joys and sorrows. It may even seem at times that it is the end of the world, as you know it, has come but deep within you, as you desire to track God’s will in Christ, you will always have a true inner joy; a joy that surpasses understanding. And the joy of the Lord will be your strength. Real happiness is contentedly remaining in the will of God and enjoying the joy it brings.
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