The Pursuit of Happiness 

Finding Eternal Bliss in Union With God

What does true happiness really look like? Is it something fleeting that comes and goes depending on our state of mind, or is it something more lasting?

It is essential that we prioritize the evaluation and examination of our pursuit of materialistic pleasures and external achievements. Often, in our relentless chase for temporary happiness, we discover that these pursuits not only fail to bring lasting fulfillment but can lead to disappointment, pain, and destruction.

Today, I want to share with you the timeless wisdom of Scripture that points to the ultimate source of pure ecstatic joy: GOD HIMSELF.  “Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you” Mat 6:33.

We live in a paradoxical world where the highest-rated countries on the happiness index^[1] also rank highest in suicide rates^[2] and antidepressant usage^[3]. This raises a fundamental question: What is the true nature of happiness? Is it found in the accumulation of wealth, success, and worldly pleasures?

As we examine the evidence, we will find that the pursuit of external rewards and temporary “dopamine rushes” can never lead to lasting joy.  It is interesting to note that although Finland has been the “happiest nation on earth” five years in a row, it also has the most Atheists and Agnostics at 62%. The country also rates at the eighth highest number of Anti-depressant usage at 82% and is the eighth highest ranking country in suicides at 22%.

What to do to remain “happy”?

Here is a list of proposed actions that produce states of physical ecstasy, euphoric happiness, empowerment, and a sense of belonging: 

• Eating
• Exercising
• Listening to music
• Engaging in “ecstatic rituals” like dance, clubbing, partying
• Connecting with nature
• Engaging in creative expression 
• Participating in community activities
• Challenging personal limits
• Engaging in physical activities
• Engaging in creative activities
• Accomplishing goals
• Learning and acquiring knowledge
• Engaging in novelty and thrill-seeking
• Engaging in pleasurable activities
• Achieving personal milestones

Although all these activities are numerous and helpful, one must continue doing them to remain happy! 

Furthermore, in our pursuit of happiness, it is common for people to also believe that external factors, such as undergoing gender-affirming surgery, getting married, achieving a specific job-status, or attaining a certain physical appearance, will bring them the happiness they seek. Consequently, the truth is that chasing happiness in these external matters often leads to disappointment and a sense of emptiness. True happiness cannot solely rely on external circumstances; it must first be discovered within us.

The idea that fulfilling certain external desires will bring us lasting happiness is a misconception. While these changes and achievements may provide temporary satisfaction, they do not guarantee a deep sense of joy and fulfillment. Happiness that is solely dependent on external factors is fleeting and elusive.

Instead, the key to true and lasting happiness lies in finding inner contentment and peace.

It is about cultivating a state of mind that is not reliant on external circumstances but grounded in:

• self-acceptance
• gratitude
• personal growth.

When we discover happiness within ourselves, we are no longer chasing after it but living it.

The Creator’s Keys to Creation’s Happiness  

Everything created is most happy when everything functions as it has been designed.  This is why the Earth mourns and groans when one part of the creation rebels and begins to dysfunction against the whole:  “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.” (Rom 8:22).

Global Warming and Climate Change are hugely due to human beings ignoring the rhythms and ancient paths of right living.  The “Regenerative Agricultural Movement” is an example of how some producers are now becoming more in tune with their role in the holistic sense of creation as custodians and not disconnected users and consumers. 

Unity and Oneness With God 

The Bible is a collection of stories of people who, like us, sought true happiness and fulfillment. All these people had a personal revelation of a living God who became their internal and eternal key to unlocking the source of true and eternal happiness.  

Happiness is fleeting and temporal until you meet the Everlasting Holy Spirit of Life.  All wealth, beauty, and even finding your “one true love” are temporal and mortal.  Death is the end of all this world has to offer! 

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 (NIV).

Throughout the Scriptures, we see individuals seeking and finding happiness through their relationship with God first.  They discovered that true joy came from knowing and experiencing Him personally. As they grew in their understanding of God’s character, His love, His faithfulness, and His promises, their certainty in finding true happiness in Him increased. 

People Who Found Happiness in God

1. David – the shepherd-boy-turned-king, found true happiness in his deep relationship with God. Despite facing many challenges and trials, he expressed his joy and dependence on God in Psalms like Psalm 23 and Psalm 63:1-8.
2. Solomon – known for his wisdom, sought happiness through wealth, knowledge, and earthly pleasures. However, he eventually realized that true happiness lies in fearing and obeying God (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
3. Mary and Martha – they were sisters who interacted with Jesus in different ways. Mary found true happiness and fulfillment by sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teachings (Luke 10:38-42).
4. Paul – the apostle, formerly known as Saul, experienced a transformative encounter with the living God on the road to Damascus. He found true happiness in his relationship with Jesus Christ, sharing his personal revelations from his encounters which formed much of the New Testament. His passionate life speaks of tenacious dedication to spreading the Gospel (Acts 9:1-19).
5. Zacchaeus – a tax collector, sought happiness through wealth and material possessions. However, his life was transformed when he answered the call of Jesus. He found true happiness in repentance, restitution, and receiving salvation (Luke 19:1-10).
6. Peter – one of Jesus’ disciples, experienced moments of doubt and failure but found true happiness in his restoration and renewed commitment to following Christ. He declared his love for Jesus and dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel (John 21:15-19).

God Wants To See Us HAPPY

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” John 15:11.  

The term “that your joy may be full” is meaningful, as Jesus knows what will really complete us.  The fullness of joy comes from a deep connection with Him. He is the source of Joy and Happiness.  

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV). 

His Presence is Ecstasy 

The concept of “glory” in the Bible carries significant meaning and is translated from various Hebrew and Greek words, such as “kābôd” in the Old Testament and “doxa” in the New Testament.

It is rooted in the idea of “weight, heaviness, worthiness, excellence.” When used in a doctrinal sense, it is often associated with God and His intrinsic worth.  

In passages like Psalm 19:1 and Psalm 63:2, the term “glory” refers to the heaviness, awesomeness, or intrinsic worth of God’s being. It highlights the magnificence and splendor of His nature. The “glory of Yahweh” mentioned in Isaiah 6:3 is closely tied to the revelation of God’s holiness. It signifies the majestic holiness and greatness of God.  At times in the Old Testament, the manifestation of God’s glory takes on a physical appearance of overwhelming splendor and brilliance (examples include Leviticus 9:23 and Exodus 33:18). This manifestation is often referred to as the “presence” or “Shekinah glory.”

Understanding and experiencing the glory of God addresses our deepest longing for lasting happiness. It is through knowing God and His nature that we find fulfillment and true joy. The revelation of His holiness and presence brings a sense of awe, reverence, and an understanding of His intrinsic worth. In His glory, we discover the source of our ultimate happiness and the fulfillment of our deepest cravings.

More Than Momentary Encounters

Living in His presence is not limited to momentary encounters but rather a lifestyle of following the example of Jesus Christ. As we embrace His teachings, we experience:

• actions and unions that bring permanent happiness
• free from the need to seek external gratification constantly.

Jesus showed us to live a truly happy life! Although He knew pain, rejection, betrayal, suffering, hardship, and poverty, He endured all for the JOY THAT WAS SET BEFORE HIM! (Heb 12:1-2).

Be FILLED With Holy Spirit! 

“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Rom. 14:17
“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father.“ Eph. 5:18.

Call to Action:

• Seek the presence of the Holy Spirit
• Allow Him to fill you with joy.
• Participate in spiritual activities as a partaker of the Eternal Spirit of life.  

Better to GIVE Than To Receive

“That in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.” 2 Cor. 8:2 
“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” Matt. 10:8

Call to Action:

• Embrace a spirit of generosity and giving, even in challenging circumstances.
• Allow your joy to overflow through acts of kindness and generosity towards others.
• This is totally opposite to what the world demands – GET MORE and GET EVEN MORE. 

Commit to SACRED UNIONS 

“Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun.” Eccl. 9:9.

Call to Action:

• Treasure and enjoy the relationship with your spouse.
• Cultivate a joyful and loving marriage,
• Cherish the time you have together.  

Take JOY to WIN A New SOUL 

“So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.” Acts 15:3

Call to Action:

• Follow the Holy Spirit to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others
• Spread the message of salvation and the joy that comes from a relationship with Him.  
• Expect to experience the inner joy of how God uses broken vessels and fills us with His glory! 

The HAPPINESS OF UNITY

“fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Phil. 2:2

Call to Action:

• Strive to preserve unity within the church and among believers.
• Love one another.
• Be of the same mind.
• Work together for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.

Happy to Do Industrious Work that Improves Lives

“Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.” Eccl. 5:18.

Call to Action:

• Find joy and contentment in your work and the blessings that come from it.
• Embrace the fruits of your labor as gifts from God and take pleasure in the work you do.

In LOSS and Hardship Remain HAPPY! 

“For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” Isaiah 55:12-13.

Call to Action:

• Even in times of tribulation and hardship, choose to praise and worship God with joy.
• Trust in His promises of restoration and transformation
• Know that He will bring forth beauty and joy in your life.

Conclusion 

The pursuit of external rewards and temporary pleasures can never satisfy the deep longing for lasting joy.

• It is in the presence of God whilst living according to His teachings, and cultivating meaningful connections that we find the pure ecstatic joy that our hearts crave.
• Embrace the fullness of joy that God offers.
• Allow His glory to fill your life and radiate through you.
• Live in unity, compassion, and purpose, experiencing the abundant joy that comes from being in perfect union with our Creator. Amen.

^[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1225047/ranking-of-happiest-countries-worldwide-by-score/

^[2] https://www.statista.com/statistics/236567/number-of-suicides-in-selected-countries-by-gender/

^[3] https://www.statista.com/statistics/283072/antidepressant-consumption-in-selected-countries/