Remember
watching the Mary J Blige Be Happy video for the first time? You couldn’t help but bob your head
and wave your hand with the beat; imitating some of her movements. But have you
ever really listened to the lyrics? It’s a song about looking to someone else
to make you happy.
(O.K.
this is where my clothes break away and I’m standing in a pulpit, wearing a
preachers robe with a celestial 100 watt bulb illuminating my presence) Just
kidding y’all but I’m about to really break it down for you.
Everything
in our modern society is focused on happiness and fulfillment; buy this it will
improve your life, watch Dr. Phil he has the answers, medicate it will cure
what ails you….how many of you are still waiting for that sustained feeling of
contentment?
Oh
my brothers and sisters (my tent revival voice) I am here to tell you that the
pursuit of happiness will lead to self-destruction; I say this because
happiness is like a kid blowing soap bubbles- they get satisfaction from seeing
something fleeting and transient and then it disappears caving into the
pressures of the environment. What we should be seeking is JOY.
Theologically
speaking, joy is both knowing God in all His glory and also knowing the
promises and gifts of God. Joy is an INTERNAL expression with an outward
projection. Joy is rooted in and sustained by your spiritual faith walk. Joy
cannot be taken or tainted because it belongs to and is given by God. Joy
cannot be shaken or moved when things in the world come crashing down. Joy is
that rock that stands firm and fast in the face of adversity. Joy is what
allows you to sleep at night when there is so much going on.
Galatians
5:22-23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love,
joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness
and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
So,
I once again am challenging you (as I challenge myself) to take a look at your
life…are you willing to settle for just happy when you can have so much more?
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