The USA is a nation where the pursuit of happiness is seen as a God given right. Advertisements blaze with claims that if we only buy thus and so, we will be happy. In contrast to this, true happiness does not come from things we possess.
The illusion that happiness lies in the things we possess is not new. In the wilderness, the children of Israel demanded flesh to eat. But when they received it from God’s bounty they despised it.
In contrast to this, some of the happiest people in the Bible had miserable circumstances. Habakkuk said, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vine, the labor 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 will I rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (ch. 3:17-8).
There are things we can glean from the Bible that will give us more joy. Joy is part of the fruit of the spirit. (Gal. 5:22)
One reason we can have joy even in adversity is because of God’s love for us.
Another reason we can rejoice is because we have the hope of the Kingdom. This is how Jesus rejoiced in his mortality. “Jesus . . . for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.” (Heb. 12:2)
It is important to realize that true joy comes from God, and not from things we possess. Ps. 1 says the happy man is the one who delights in God’s word. This makes sense. Anything works best when it does what it is made to do. God made us to serve Him. If we do this with all our heart, God will give us joy.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One