This essay is a based on Timothy Keller’s sermon The Search for Happiness: Modern Problems, Ancient Solutions.

The Renaissance period trained us to think that human reason, and empirical investigation will solve all the problems and mysteries of life.

But does it?

If Science and Technology advanced our civilization and made our lives more comfortable, why do we still suffer great injustices and inequality?

Science and Technology will never give us Real Happiness because they solve physical problems and mysteries.

PRINCIPLE 1:  Real Happiness Can Be Found.

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,” – Psalm 1:1

Tim Keller explains that you can achieve real joy.

In this verse, blessed means to joyful, fulfilled, and content.

But happiness is a choice you make.

You can view your world as a half-full, not half-empty.

4 Types of People That View Happiness:

1. Children: Those who believe that happiness is natural.

As children, we believe that being joyful is natural. But as we grow up, we begin to realize that being happy is not as easy as we thought.

As our mind grows in our teenage and adult years, we become jaded by the challenges in our life. We struggle with our finances, our relationships, and our own dreams and aspirations.

Remember the joy you had when you played in the rain as a kid? It was fun, wasn’t it

As adults, we need to become child-like to become thrilled with life again.

2. Cynics: those who believe that happiness is unachievable

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As adults, we become too focused on our daily responsibilities, and forget to enjoy the moment.

Many of the most intelligent, and most successful people become the most cynical in achieving happiness. They are miserable because they rely too much on their logic and achievements.

3. Drifters: Those who drift between being child-like and cynical.

These people depend on their circumstances and mood to find happiness.
They are delighted in a healthy relationship but are distressed when single.
They are confident when they have a lot money but are depressed when they are broke.
They will never be joyful because they rely on their mood and circumstances to be blissful.

4. Righteous People: Those who have Real Happiness, regardless of their situation and environment.

Righteous Men believe that we can be truly happy while living in the chaos and tragedies of this world.

How can they not be miserable when they are in bad situations?

They avoid two common mistakes.

PRINCIPLE 2:  Real Happiness Begins With GOD.

Mistake #1: People seek happiness in their circumstances and external factors.

Th Cynics and Drifters will never have joy because they base their joy in their circumstances and environment.

The Cynics reject any sip of joy because they only believe in what they see in front of them.

The Drifters base their happiness on the season, not GOD. So they will always between pleasure and misery.

So how do we avoid this mistake?

Real Happiness comes from within you, from GOD’s Love.

Real Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times.

Righteous people have the right mental and emotional attitude towards hardships.

They are like a tree planted that experiences different seasons. Like everyone else, they experience hardships and challenges.

What keeps them going is there strong relationship with GOD.

They are the tree that is planted near a stream of water, where it constantly gets its nourishment, even in the worst droughts.

Your bad times are a test of your faith in GOD.

You are allowed to have negative emotions when you suffer tragedies and hardships. You are human.

You can cry. But you never despair.

Many of us are suffering in this COVID – 19 pandemic. I was laid off at the start of this world crisis. This dark period taught me to appreciate the little things in my life: family, friends, my house, food, and basic necessities. My suffering made me go closer to Him.

So how  can you find happiness within yourself, during difficult times?

Instead of focusing on your pain, look beyond your suffering and circumstances and keep GOD close to your heart. Keep praying and have a stronger relationship with GOD. The more endure your circumstances, the more you must draw Living Water from GOD.

Cast all your problems, worries, and fears onto Jesus.

Let Him carry your burdens for you. Releasing this weight is your test of faith.

Your faith begins where you cannot see and where your logic ends.

Once you feel lighter, then you can truly enjoy your life with GOD.

Principle 3: Seek GOD First. Real Happiness Will Follow.

Mistake 2: We Seek Happiness Directly

True Happiness is not a an end of itself. It is a byproduct of seeking something more than pleasure.

If you seek pleasure more than righteousness, you will get neither.

Miserable people pursue pleasure for its sake. But this is a wrong attitude.

When you seek a successful marriage only, you will never have it.

When you chase money, you’ll never catch it.

Instead, anxiety will kill you.

You will never have joy because you based your well-being on external factors.

So how do you have happiness if you should not chase it?

Truth: Seek GOD first, then you will find happiness.

Righteous People are joyful by not trying to be happy.

If you seek to have holy life with GOD more than pursuing bliss, you will get both.

Principle 4: Happiness Comes To Those Who Love and Serve GOD

Delighting in His Law is not just about obeying the Ten Commandments. It is thinking and living out all the Bible and Jesus’ teachings.

Put GOD First in everything, and at all times.

You need to pursue something greater than yourself.

After loving and worshiping God, your number one purpose should be your mission to serve Him.  

What will keep you going, in these difficult times, is your strong faith and love for GOD: through your thoughts, words, and service for your neighbors.

Anything or anyone whom you prioritize over GOD becomes an idol, which will lead you to despair.

There is a difference between trusting your wife and making your wife your trust.

Let’s Share Happiness!

Feature Photo: Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay