What Is True Happiness?

“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.” ~ C.S. Lewis

There is a lot of research, teachings, and theories from various scientists, doctors and so-called ‘gurus’ on the subject of happiness.

Some believe it’s genetic, and that you are born with “good happiness genes.” Other studies have shown that your physical and emotional health plays a big role in the level of your happiness. Having an active social life is also attributed to feeling happy.

Another conclusion seems to be:  “happiness is a personal journey of self discovery.”

While there is some truth to this, and these things can make life enjoyable, I don’t believe this is where genuine, lasting happiness is found. At least it wasn’t for me.

Before I committed my life to Christ I appeared to be living a pretty “happy” life.

I had a lot of friends and a very full and active social life. I went to the spa, vacationed in exotic places, drove fancy cars, wore stylish clothes and had plenty of money. On top of all this, my husband, three children and myself were all healthy.

While I seemed to have it all, happiness was elusive. I always had a subtle, nagging inside of me that something was missing.

I had bursts of happiness, but it wasn’t lasting. My happiness seemed to be associated with an activity, an outfit, a moment, or how others treated me. It was always temporary, and over time I would need something to stimulate that burst once again.

Although we all have a desire to be happy, how many of us know what true happiness is?

All of the things that the doctor’s and the ‘gurus’ taught only have a temporary effect. It wasn’t until I gave my heart to Jesus and started living my life for Him, that I experienced, for the first time in my life, a lasting peace inside of me. A peace that surpasses human understanding. A peace that produced a deep, rich, satisfying joy.

I call this supernatural peace, “JOY”: a joy that is deeper, richer, and more satisfying than happiness.

The word “happiness” has a shallowness to it. I prefer the word “joy.”

I agree with what author S.D. Gordon has to say on the difference between happiness and joy;

“Joy is distinctly a Christian word and a Christian thing. It is the reverse of happiness. Happiness is the result of what happens of an agreeable sort. Joy has its springs deep down inside. And that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens. Only Jesus gives that joy. He had joy, singing its music within, even under the shadow of the cross.”

Lasting happiness is  joy, and it can only be found in a personal intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

Instead of fearing death, joy is knowing that you will spend eternity in Heaven John 3:16.

Instead of getting down when others treat you poorly, joy is knowing you are deeply and passionately loved by the creator of the universe, God Almighty Himself Ephesians 3:17-19.

Instead of feeling alone, joy is knowing that He calls you His Bride. He says, “…Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight” and “The Bride of God,” for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride.” (Isaiah 62:4).

Instead of living in guilt and shame, joy is knowing you are forgiven and that His grace is abundant 2 Corinthians 12:8-11.

Joy is knowing that in Christ you have security because He is there for your each and every need.

He heals Jeremiah 33:6.

He comforts Matthew 5:4

He encourages Psalm 55:22

He strengthens Isaiah 40:29-31.

He is your Rock Isaiah 26:3-4.

He erases your fears Isaiah 41:10.

He will never abandon you Hebrews 13:5-6.

‘If a man will let himself be lost for My sake,’ Jesus said, ‘he will find his true self.’ When you surrender your life for the One that created you, you end up finding your true life. This is true lasting joy (Matthew 16:25).

Happiness becomes an impossible standard or a goal that we feel pressured to meet, almost like a fantasy. We become uncomfortable when we aren’t feeling happy.

Instead of seeking happiness, seek the giver of joy, Jesus Christ (tweet this).

Nothing is going to make you happy until you know your reason for living, and you won’t know your purpose for living until your know the One who created you.

True lasting joy is therefore found only in a deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

May you know Him intimately, and may you love Him deeply.  You will never wonder what true happiness is once you do because you will be experiencing it.

Please leave me a comment below on what true happiness is for you.