The Secret to Happiness

Psalm 107:1-43

“Some wandered in desert wastelands . . . .
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress. (vs4-6)

Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom . . .
for they had rebelled against the words of God . . .
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress. (vs10-14)

Some became fools through their rebellious ways . . .
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress. (vs17-19)

Whoever is wise, let him heed these things
and consider the great love of the LORD. (vs43)
-PSALM 107

The secret to being happy has nothing to do with our circumstances. It has everything to do with our personal relationship with God. We can be in the best of personal circumstances, finally living out the life we thought would make us happy, but eventually discontentment finds us. When this happens, we immediately begin hoping and praying for another shift in our circumstances.

Granted, wanting a better job, a marriage, a healthier marriage, a more toned body, or a newer style car are not bad things. Sometimes a change in circumstances is exactly what God is directing us to do. But these types of external changes are also never going to have the effects we hope.

Eventually the new job has problems too, the marriage doesn’t make us whole like we thought it would, and a newer model car is always coming out. The circumstances are never perfect. To believe that someday our lives will be perfect and then we will be able to be happy is foolishness. Happiness can never be tied to our circumstances because our circumstances are always changing and very much out of our control. The only thing we truly have control over is our response and attitude within the circumstances.

If happiness cannot be found through seeking perfect circumstance, where can it be found? Our happiness or lack thereof is only a symptom of the real issue at hand, the central issue that is always the real issue – our personal relationship with God. Some were in the wastelands, some were in deepest gloom, some drifted at sea, but when any of them called upon the Lord their lives became better (Psalm 107).

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13).

A change in circumstances is sometimes needed, but it is never the root of unhappiness as God’s plot continues to unfold. God wants us to learn that true happiness can be found anywhere because God is everywhere. Let us not constantly be focusing on our external conditions but on the internal posture of our hearts towards God. That’s the secret to true happiness.