Isn't it refreshing and great to know that the world recognises the importance of happiness in a world awashed with a deluge of depressing news particularly with the current surge in religious extremism.
As refreshing as the concept of International Day of Happiness (March 20) is, we need to remember that happiness is fleeting, temporary and circumstantial. This is because our happiness is a function of happenings around us; it is based on the events around us. So when we receive and hear good news, we are happy; but when we receive bad news, what happens to our happiness? Also when we receive gifts from people and they show us love, we are happy; but when people ignore and treat us bad, what happens to our happiness?
From the foregoing, it is obvious that we need something more lasting than happiness in life; we need the 'Joy of The Lord' also called the 'Joy of The Holy Spirit'.
"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places."- Habakkuk 3:17-19
In summary the writer of that scripture was saying that irrespective of the unfavourable events, happenings and bad news around him; he will not give in to unhappiness and depression because he has the 'Joy of the Lord' in him.
"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified."- Isaiah 61:3
The 'Joy of the Lord' gives us inner strength and fortitude to stay strong (not delusional) in the midst of evil reports, adversity and bad news; when there is absolutely no reason for us to be happy.
"Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength."- Nehemiah 8:10
If you are a child of God, born again and bought by the precious blood of Jesus, the 'Joy of the Holy Spirit' is yours, it is your inheritance in Christ.
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."- Romans 14:17
As we celebrate International Day of Happiness, let us remember that we all have a part to play in making our world a happy place. I pray God Almighty will make our world a happy place for all. I pray that all people will come to the saving knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; which will consequently release the 'Joy of the Holy Spirit' upon all.
"And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."- John 16:22
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