Pursuing Happiness

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi… “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." — Philippians 4:11

The phrase “the pursuit of happiness” resonates deeply within the fabric of American values, encapsulated in the famous words of the Declaration of Independence. These words assert that happiness is a fundamental right, an idea that has been met with both support and criticism. Some interpret this pursuit as a quest for constant pleasure or delight, leading to a misunderstanding of what true happiness is. However, the Scriptures offer a profound insight into the nature of happiness and contentment that transcends mere emotional responses.

Luke, in his Gospel writes:

“Jesus pulled away from His disciples, about a stone’s throw away, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, remove this cup from Me. But please, not what I want. What do you want?” At once an angel from heaven was at His side, strengthening Him.” Luke 22:41-42 (MSG)

In contemporary society, happiness is often equated with laughter and joy, stemming from favorable circumstances. Yet, it is interesting to note that in the four Gospels, there is no direct reference to Jesus laughing, although it’s reasonable to assume He did so in moments of joy. Instead, the Bible emphasizes joy and contentment, which are rooted in a deep relationship with God. For instance, in Nehemiah 8:10, we read, "…the joy of the Lord is your strength." This verse highlights that true joy comes from God and is a source of strength, especially in difficult times.

Contentment, as expressed in Philippians 4:11, is about finding peace and satisfaction in God's will, regardless of one’s external circumstances. Jesus exemplified this in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He faced immense sorrow yet submitted to the Father’s plan, illustrating that true contentment is found in surrendering to God's will (Luke 22:41-42). The Apostle Paul, who wrote the aforementioned verse, experienced various trials and tribulations, yet maintained a heart of gratitude and satisfaction, emphasizing that our circumstances do not dictate our contentment.

In 1 Timothy 6:6, it is stated, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” This passage signifies that the pursuit of godliness—living a life aligned with God’s principles—coupled with contentment, leads to immense spiritual wealth. In contrast, chasing after worldly pleasures often leads to disappointment and unfulfilled desires. As Ecclesiastes 2:11 reflects, “Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” This sentiment reminds us that earthly pursuits alone cannot satisfy our deepest longings.

True happiness is not a fleeting emotion, but a profound sense of peace and joy that comes from knowing Christ. In John 15:11, Jesus says, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." Here, He connects our joy with His teachings and presence, indicating that our pursuit of happiness should lead us to a deeper relationship with Him.

In our culture, advertisers tell us to find joy and contentment in their products. Marketers tell us that a vacation will bring peace and fulfillment. A new car or a new electronic gadget will make us happy. But, we all know that these things don’t ever satisfy.

Pursuing happiness from a biblical perspective means seeking joy and contentment in Christ, regardless of our life situations. As we cultivate our relationship with Him, we can find lasting joy that surpasses mere emotional highs. Let’s strive to align our hearts with God’s will, knowing that in doing so, we experience the fullness of joy and the peace that comes from being content in Him. "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4).

If you find yourself struggling with discontent, remember the wisdom of Charles Spurgeon, who said, "If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled."