Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (ESV) ~~ I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.
Today, March 20th, is International Day of Happiness. It’s also the first day of spring. Hmmm, I wonder if there’s a connection there?
The whole idea of a holiday about happiness really started me thinking ‘why do we need this day?’
What is International Day of Happiness
Wikipedia says about this day that It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. It goes on to say “The General Assembly,[…] Conscious that the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal,[…] Recognizing also the need for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness and the well-being of all peoples, Decides to proclaim 20 March the International Day of Happiness, Invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to observe the International Day of Happiness in an appropriate manner, including through education and public awareness-raising activities[…]”
It seems that we are in need of a day to remind us that we should be happy. Is this really necessary; to have a holiday for this purpose? But then, the same could be asked for any day of celebration. Do we need Thanksgiving Day to remind us to be thankful; like it’s the only day of the year we need to do so? Do we need Christmas to remind us to celebrate Jesus, and to be kind and loving to our fellow human beings?
The more I read on Wikipedia about International Day of Happiness, the more my mind started to wonder where have we wandered in today’s society? There are actually organizations and institutions who’s purpose is to help people in their pursuit of happiness. One gives free seminars to help people increase their happiness. Another provides an online portal for people to share their ideas and plans on how to celebrate this new holiday about happiness. There’s even one organization that provides access to a science-based happiness planner. Planner? Really? We need to pre-plan to be happy? Finally, another institution provides a free workbook to individuals to help them in their pursuit of happiness.
There’s Only One Way to True & Lasting Happiness
The one thing I noticed in all this research was that not one of them mentioned God. In all our search for that never-ending blissful feeling, no one remembered God. We look to science, other people, institutions, holidays, material things, money, and even our pets to make us happy. When the truth is that following God’s instruction for our lives is the only path to true and lasting happiness.
Paul’s secret to happiness is this “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” ~~Colossians 3:12-17 (NKJV)
If we expect to be happy we have to treat others with love and forgiveness as God treats us. And, we have to do this with a true heart; in all we do, say, and think. We are entering into a new season and the earth will be transformed once again into something beautiful and fresh. Why don’t we enter into a new and fresh attitude of keeping God at the center focus of our lives. That’s when true and lasting happiness will happen.
Let’s Pray
Dear God ~~ Wonderful, loving Father; so often we turn to worldly things and people in search of happiness and peace. Thank You that Your love is perfect and true. Help me to remember this always, and to look only to You for that happiness. I pray in Jesus name, AMEN
Now It’s Your Turn
Thoughts? Questions? Want to share your story? Ask for prayer? Please share in the comments section.
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Carly, I think that if anyone can day a day off from being miserable to celebrate a day off happiness, then they can also take everyday off and make each day an enjoyable one, no matter what life throws at them.
ReplyDeleteWell, that was partly my point. The rest of the point is that you need God to have true and lasting happiness.
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