The Pursuit of Happiness

So many people are searching for the same fundamental things. Love, joy, fulfilment, purpose. There are numerous resources showing us the fastest ways to be happy. These “self-help guides” preach that with enough routine, structure, willpower or paradigm shifts, we will be able to change ourselves and metamorphose into happier people. And they’re tempting. We all want to achieve results with the least effort possible but the truth is this just isn't feasible. There’s a huge difference between the fleeting emotion of happiness versus the sustainable feeling of joy. Happiness is dependent on our circumstances whereas joy is in spite of them. Whether life is going great or it seems like all the odds are against you, if you have real joy, you can always endure.

The problem with the pursuit of happiness in our current world is that it's a vicious cycle. People portray themselves as happy when it seems like they have everything going for them. If they drive the coolest cars, have tons of friends, look their best, then they must be truly happy. The fake lifestyles they sell are the ones we covet and, consequently, we restrict ourselves from being joyful until we achieve these standards as well. The problem here is, it's never enough. Once you achieve one objective, someone will show you that you must obtain something else and you end up living all your life in a rat race for things that don't really matter. Many a time, I have fallen into the trap of thinking that I cannot allow myself to be happy or even satisfied unless I achieve certain goals; I justified it as being ambitious and not settling but really all it is is discontentment. Don't get me wrong, it’s great to have aspirations and not be complacent, but we can’t allow our goals to be the determining factor of our internal joy. The lyrics to "Hills and Valleys" by Tauren Wells say it best:

On the mountains, I will bow my life

To the One who set me there

In the valley, I will lift my eyes

To the One who sees me there

When I'm standing on the mountain

I didn't get there on my own

When I'm walking through the valley

I know I am not alone!

Our circumstances will never be completely aligned in the way we want them to. However, we can resolve ourselves to trust God with whatever is in store for us. With this guarantee, we can feel free to be joyful. Even when things aren't working out, even when we are uncertain. I have discovered that the most joyful people are those who are content with themselves and accept themselves for where they are now, believing God for the future. Whether you are in the valley right now or on the mountain, don’t let that determine your levels of joy. Maintain a hopeful attitude and display your faith in God every day. He will come through for you. But, more importantly, you will find that the less you fixate on material things the more fulfilled and at peace you will be - now that is true joy. Instead of pursuing happiness, pursue the LORD and His virtues. Stop rushing to achieve the elusive standards of the world and fix your eyes on Jesus. Although you can't discern His plans for you, you can rest assured that they are marvellous and will exceed all your expectations.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)