For some people, happiness seems to be an elusive dream. They are always looking for the “next best thing” to improve their life. It can range anywhere from the latest technology, a new job, living in a particular place, or even a new mate. For people with this mindset, happiness will always be temporary because there will always be something that seems better than what they already have.
It is easy for people to look at their own lives and feel that something different would be better. We know all the problem areas of our lives, the flaws, imperfections, and drawbacks. We can easily look around and think that somebody else’s life is much better. The problem with this thought is that we don’t usually see the negatives of that person’s life and vice versa.
True happiness is not found in gadgets, jobs, location, or even relationships. True happiness is found in contentment. What is contentment? Defined, contentment is “a state of happiness and satisfaction”. Basically, contentment is being happy with what we have.
Paul understood the idea of contentment. Notice his words in Philippians 4:10-13–10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Did you catch that? “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Paul learned the secret to true happiness is contentment, and it comes from the strength we receive from Christ!
I believe Paul is reminding us that we can be happy wherever we are and with whatever we have as long as we are focused on Jesus. Even in the Old Testament we see how people continued to focus on God and remained content in whatever circumstances they happened to be in. Joseph remained faithful to God all through his journey that eventually led him to be second in command in Egypt. Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel all faced harrowing circumstances in Babylon, yet were content to trust God and were all saved from certain death.
So, true happiness, contentment, comes from a faithful relationship with Jesus Christ. We can have that type of relationship with Him matter what we have, where we live, or who we are with. Our relationship is personal. Others may try to dissuade us, however, it is always our choice. Do you want to be happy? Trust in Jesus!
Read I Timothy 6:6-8