Everyone says they want to be happy. Have you ever thought about what that means? Does happiness come and go? Is happiness tied to other people or things? I decided to look up the definition of happiness. Here is the Webster Dictionary definition-
“Happiness is a complex emotional and psychological state characterized by feelings of joy, contentment, and satisfaction.”
Then I searched for Synonyms for Happiness-
Joy: A sudden or intense emotion of great delight.
Bliss: Supreme, unalloyed joy or perfect paradise.
Contentment: A peaceful, calm state of satisfaction where one rests without desires.
Elation: Extreme happiness and excitement, especially following a triumph or achievement.
Euphoria: An intense, sometimes overwhelming feeling of excitement and well-being.
People say, “If I just had (fill in the blank) then I would be happy.” What would be your answer to the fill in the blank? Would it be a new car, a new house, a better education, a better job, etc. The problem I have with the definitions above and the things I just listed is they are all temporary. A new car gets old. A new house eventually needs repairs, new water heater, new roof, etc. Once we have a better job, there is always another rung on the ladder of success. These answers for happiness definitely come and go.
What guidance does Scripture give us to answer the question? In the Bible happiness is closely tied to blessedness and spiritual flourishing rather than fleeting, circumstantial feelings. Relating to God’s Kingdom not things of this world.
Let’s take a familiar passage, the 23rd Psalm, and dig into what David was saying about the idea of happiness. Many passages compare us to sheep. What was David saying to us?
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
He makes me lie down in green pastures
He leads me beside still waters
He restores my soul
He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake
Even though I walk through the valley of shadow of death
I will fear no evil for You are with me
Your rod and Your staff they comfort me
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies
You anoint my head with oil
My cup overflows
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever
Have you ever thought about what a shepherd does for his sheep? One of the principal duties at all seasons of the year is for the shepherd to plan food for his flock. Protection is another principal. The shepherd’s staff is a stick five or six feet long and sometimes has a crook at the end of it. It is used like a cane or walking stick and it is also used in protecting the sheep from predators. In addition to the staff the shepherd uses his sling against wild animals or robbers and it is found to be very handy in directing the sheep back on the correct path.
David, having been a shepherd, recognized the similarity between his sheep following him as a shepherd and David following the Lord, his Shepherd. He uses language a shepherd would be very familiar with. Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd and said, “My sheep will hear My voice and follow Me. They will not follow another shepherd”. Sheep will only follow their shepherd’s voice. A good example God has shown me of His Sovereignty is the fact He created sheep “in the beginning” knowing they would be the perfect example for David to write about in this Psalm and for us to recognize our dependence on the Good Shepherd today. He is amazing. Praise His Name!
David says, “The Lord is my Shepherd”. The Lord (not a lord, The Lord of lords) is my Shepherd and He sees to all the needs of His sheep. Sheep are totally reliant on a shepherd to care for their every need. David then compares what the shepherd does for their sheep to what his Shepherd, his Lord, does for him. He cares for David’s physical, emotional and spiritual nourishment. He guides David’s path. David said even in the tough times he has no fear because his Shepherd is with him. David recognizes the rod and staff as comfort to help him not to go astray. Then David ends the Psalm by praising his Lord; his cup overflows and he will be with his Lord forever.
Getting back to defining happiness, here are four questions that might help us.
- Are we totally reliant on God’s provision or do we worry and fret about our needs?
- Are we able to accept whatever situations He allows into our life because we believe our Shepherd will always use it for good?
- Do we feel correction is comforting, or do we wonder “why me”?
- Can we say, “My cup overflows” even during trials?
To me a great definition of happiness is, “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”? Through good times and bad, our Heavenly Father through His Holy Spirit will supply us with the “Peace that passes all understanding”. Once we have experience that peace, we will find happiness in whatever this life brings us.
Christian Life Coach 