God Wants Me Happy, Right?

It seems to me that among those who have accepted Christ, there are some who believe that the goal of their Christian life is to be happy—that God wants them to be perpetually happy. But this concept is not found in the Word of God. God’s desire is for us to be molded in the image of His Son. He wants us to grow in maturity and to have the character of Christ formed within us.

Often we face unpleasant circumstances and, of course, our first reaction is that we want out. No one enjoys a negative situation. I believe that as we pray about the troubles in our life, God will answer in one of three ways:  He will remove us from our circumstances, change our circumstances, or change us. I find that more often than not He desires to change us.

In each situation we face, there are lessons to be learned. There is a process to go through. Most of us, instead of being willing to go through the process, are looking for a way to escape. Rather than yielding to His will, we want to curse the situation.

Even though we face unhappy times, we can still live a joyful life. The joy we have in our hearts as a result of our relationship with Christ is not dependent on outward circumstances. Everything can be going wrong in the natural while we have peace and joy in our inner man. With the help of the Spirit, we can learn to say along with Paul, “I have learned in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)

The joy of the Lord gives us strength when we feel like giving up; the peace of God holds us steady when it seems our life is falling apart; and the contentment that comes from trusting in Christ makes a statement that even though life is not perfect, we know in the end everything is going to be all right.

If we live with an attitude of joy, peace, and contentment in the face of trying circumstances, the world will sit up and take notice. But, if we react negatively every time trouble comes our way, those around us will not see the life of victory that the Lord wants us to exhibit.

Father, thank You that we can be full of joy, peace and contentment, even in adverse circumstances. Teach us to yield to Your work in our hearts.

Scriptures for Reflection

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you. (Galatians 4:19)

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ . . . But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. (Ephesians 4:13,15)

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:11-13)

. . . the joy of the LORD is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)