Seeking Happiness in the Lord

Scripture: Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Philippians 4:11-12

Observation: Paul is about to make one of his most famous statement in all his letters; that he can do "all things through him who gives me strength." However, the context of this - verse 13 - is interesting. Paul is currently in prison, and he is not saying that he can walk free, or fly away from his persecutors, or defeat Rome through either great might or great love. Paul is actually saying that ... he can be happy.

This is the lead-up to the "all things" declaration: Paul has found a way to simply be happy, or at least content, in every situation. He is far happier than others would expect, and he knows how to hold onto that happiness when he has good or bad things, or when he has food or is hungry, or in any positive or negative circumstance.

This happiness comes from the source of behavior he outlines in verses 6-9. First, Paul surrenders all worry to the Lord, turning it over to him in prayer. Second, Paul instead concentrates on the good things in life, which have been provided by the Lord, and thus giving praise for those aspects of life.

Application: Recently, I have been focused on the lessons taught in scripture about what happens to sinful societies. How could I not? Old Testament prophesy directed at Israel and Judah - and their immanent destruction due to their abandonment of faith - are so apropos to the PNW today. However, Paul gives me a better lesson today.

I would really like to live a life of daily happiness. And the Lord offers that to me, if I will simply surrender my concerns about the huge issues of this world to him, and instead focus on the life he has given me. I should embrace those things that are true and good and noble and just and kind and pleasing. To do that, I should first release my cares about those things that are false and evil and corrupt and hurtful and meanspirited and hateful.

Prayer: Lord, may I heed the advice of Paul daily. May I release to you, in prayer, the concerns of this society. Yes, I need to consider them to bring them to you in prayer, but then I can know that your will be done and you have them under your control as you have seen fit. Then I can fix my eyes on you and your love, finding happiness in a world where you have actually provided goodness. May I do this daily. Amen.