Happiness

Who’s Happy?

A recent associated press survey concluded that only 14% say they are really “very happy,” this is down from 31% in last year’s data.[1] A Pew Survey stated that 36% of active religious people define themselves as “very happy.”[2] It is no surprise that self-help book sales are skyrocketing. Though these sources can be encouraging, there is not much help within ourselves alone.

Neuroscientist strongly emphasize the correlation of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin in our brain and our level of happiness. They offer guidance for increasing our dopamine and serotonin levels:

1. Daily 15-20 minute outside walks

2. Foods that affect the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin in our brain.

3. Exercise daily

4. Goal setting

5. Opening shades and curtains for natural light in the home

6. Resist isolation-discipline yourself to be intentional in your social life

7. Increase the humor/laughter in your life

I suggest these listed points to many; they do make a difference. The validity of these actions is not in question, but their totality is. The bulk of our problem is thinking that happiness is something we search for. It has been said that trying to find happiness is something like trying to fall asleep. As long as one consciously and zealously tries to grasp it, it never comes.[3] Looking for the meaning of life in life is futile. Life does not have that capability, it is a pointless endeavor.

The Effect of Three Hindrances on Happiness

As believers it is important to be aware that there is a 1, 2, 3 punch strategy that can paralyze our joy and prioritizes our total destruction. First is this world system. It intentionally attempts to lure Christians through its pleasures and to take our worship from God. As followers of Christ, we are despised by the world system.

“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me” (Matthew 4:8-9).

 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).

Secondly, the enemy of happiness is our sin nature. Our flesh wants its way and it does not care the price it must pay. Our flesh will sacrifice itself to satisfy itself. The Apostle Paul said,

 “But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members” (Rom. 7:23).

“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Gal. 5:17).

The final enemy of happiness is the devil himself. “Be sober; be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8).

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12).

Therefore in summation we have concluded that there are three continuous and intentionally designed oppositions to one’s true happiness. Why? Because true happiness would be glorifying to God and good for us. The Bible makes is very clear that the devil is real and does not want this to happen. Please do not discard this as a myth or “church talk.” A look around clearly indicates the suffering of people and a chaotic world.

The Effect of Serving Others on Happiness

When we surrender our emotional struggles and needs to Christ we are candidates for a supernatural blessing. We are created to be at our best, our happiest, when we yield to God as he works through us to serve others. When we magnify our Savior more than we do our problems, God takes over. Empathy becomes our modus operandi. We feel someone’s hurt with them. Our goal is action and service, not just sympathy. Anytime we cooperate with the flow of the Holy Spirt, we become under the influence of joy.

Serving is a powerful enhancement of one’s spiritual and mental health. Is it not true that our mind tells us just the opposite? We instead have a desire to separate ourselves from others, to isolate. Just consider that the devil wants us alone so that he has our full attention to hear more of his lies. Friend, extend your arm, open your hand and say, talk to the hand devil, cause I’m not listening!

I have listed Five P’s (needs) for a healthy believer. Four of the five refer to serving others. Serving others is a healthy and Christ center choice toward happiness.

1. Personhood: A healthy self-love and self-awareness.
2. Pastor: An elder that shepherds us to be like Christ.
3. Partner: A spiritual friend or peer to encourage and hold us accountable.
4. Protégé: A fellow believer to teach and mentor.
5. Prospect: An unbeliever to love, pray for, and influence toward faith in Christ.[6]

God wants us to take care of ourselves because he loves us and he wants us healthy for ministry to others. He wants our happiness to be the overflow of our holiness, a fruit of our relationship with him. The following says it well…

“The person who is wise, will see their life as more like a reservoir than a canal. The canal simultaneously pours out what it receives; the reservoir retains the water until it is filled, then discharges the overflow without loss to itself” [7] . . . Today there are many in the Church who act like canals, the reservoirs are far too rare.

We can be intentional about keeping our reservoir full. But also be mindful of the additional guidelines when you are not feeling well.

1. If you are having feelings of sadness and hopelessness, not eating well, experiencing a loss of interest in normal activities, or not sleeping well, and these are happening for 2 weeks or more, please go see your physician. Always consult him / her when you’re not feeling well physically or emotionally.
2. Prioritize a daily alone time with God. Approach it as communion with God. Begin a thought out Bible reading plan, talk to God, and allow time to be still before God to listen for him.
3. Get connected to a Bible believing church for spiritual and social growth.
4. Tell someone how you are feeling and / or seek counseling that will benefit you biblically and psychologically. In most instances this will be a licensed professional counselor that has a biblical worldview.
5. Focus on and continuously educate yourself on how much God values you. When we are persuaded of our value, assured of our protection and provisions, and confident of his faithfulness, our reservoir of hope / happiness will sustain us and bless others.