Setting Standards for Feelings - Happiness

Greetings Dear Reader,

Happy is almost universally defined as a state of pleasure or contentment.  We are guaranteed the right to pursue it in our constitution.  We want to be happy.   It is not wrong to desire happiness. 

Whether or not one is happy, however, must not be the standard for our choices in life.  If I pursue only happiness then I will harm others out of selfishness and greed.  I can make choices that are irresponsible.  I can neglect my responsibilities to God, friends, and family by pursuing only happiness.

I have always thought that we get it backwards.  I think that happiness is a choice.  I think that if we learn to be content we find happiness.  If we find our pleasure in good things then we will be happy.  If we put our happiness first instead of seeking good and contentment then happiness will remain elusive.

I must not let whether something makes me happy determine how I treat others.  I must not let happiness determine my morals, values, attitudes, and actions.  Happiness will be the product of choosing to do what is right and finding contentment in that.  If I do not feel happy I must analyze my attitude.  I must determine if I am pursuing the right things and if I am content with what God has in front of me in the moment.

Happiness is a choice.  It is derived from choosing to follow in faith no matter what the situation.   Happiness is found in joy in whom I follow.  The joy is found in the journey of faith and following.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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What are We Made For – Happiness?

Greetings Dear Reader,

We pursue happiness.  We want to be happy.  Whilst it is not wrong to be happy we forgo things like righteousness and holiness in seeking happiness.  We make our happiness the priority and abandon honor, integrity, and obedience in the elusive pursuit of happiness.

The quest for happiness is never ending.  Like so many other elusive solutions to our condition we seek happiness when we should be seeking things that last.  Happiness is a product of our inner response to external circumstances.  We cannot find true happiness in this way if our responses are not Christ centered

True happiness comes from having the mind of Christ in any situation.  It comes from doing right no matter what the cost.  The tainted temporary happiness we accept when we compromise our faith actually leads to pain and suffering.

When we do wrong to make ourselves happy we step outside of our design.  We act outside what is good and right to be happy.  We may get a feeling of happiness but the guilt and pain of sin will out. 

I must not think about my own “happiness”: but rather seek to do what is right no matter what the cost.  I may feel pain, loss, fear, and sorrow.  I am not made to be happy.  I am made to feel the joy that accompanies Christ no matter what the cost.  If I do this there is a joy that will supplant any fleeting happiness.  That is the thing for which I am made.

What Kind of Joy is This – Steven Curtis Chapman

Anybody in their right mind

Would've given up their preaching and headed for home

They've been warned a hundred times

But something inside them keeps giving them hope

And just when you think they'd be crying

Instead of the tears, there's joy in their eyes

What kind of joy is this

That counts it a blessing to suffer

What kind of joy is this

That gives the prisoner his song

What kind of joy could stare death in the face

And see it as sweet victory

This is the joy of a soul that's forgiven and free

Anybody else with his pain

Would want to shake their fist at heaven

And give up the fight

'Cause trouble had been Paul's middle name

Ever since he'd been captured by God's blinding light

But just when his hope should be dying

If you listen you'll hear him singing a song

What kind of joy is this

That counts it a blessing to suffer

What kind of joy is this

That gives the prisoner his song

What kind of joy could stare death in the face

And see it as sweet victory

This is the joy of a soul that's forgiven and free

What kind of joy is this

The Father has promised his children

What kind of joy is this

That Jesus has come to reveal

What kind of joy could give hope in this world

To someone just like you and me

This is the joy of a soul that's forgiven and free

I've found this joy for my soul is forgiven and free

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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