God wants you happy?

I recently got to prepare and deliver a message for our teens, tearing down the Urban Legend that "God wants you happy." On the surface, this may not sound like an "Urban Legend" at all but an accurate view of God. But let's pause for a moment and consider another perspective.

Happiness is based on happenings.

And the reality is that we live in a broken and fallen world, our nightly news tells the tale.

Still, sometimes our happenings do in fact make us happy.

But other times our happenings come with real pain and suffering...and leave us in sorrow.

It is these times which begs the question...if God wants me happy...and I'm not...did He fail me?

There inlies the danger of believing this Urban Legend.

Is it possible to find peace and contentment amidst the sorrow of heartache?

Is it possible to live with lasting joy, regardless of circumstances?

Was Paul "happy" after he had been severely flogged and thrown in prison for his faith and teachings? I think not. Yet we see in Acts 16 that he had joy enough to begin praying and singing hymns to our God from his prison cell.

I've recently begun to dabble in this kind of joy.

This side of heaven will come with its hosts of trials and heartaches that quite frankly will not make us "happy"...but the more I understand about the heart of God...the more I believe that He wants us more than happy...He wants us blessed...

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:3-12

As I finished the message, I could literally see and feel some of our teen's sorrow...for it was painted across their faces...and rooted deep in my heart. So I watched...and I waited...for them to process...some for the first time...that God was with them in their pain...He had not caused it...while He had allowed it...and they began to understand...that God just may have a plan to use it...and for that...they would be comforted...they would be blessed.

Around the bend

“One thing is clear: God won’t be rushed. Without a willingness to wait, we will be regularly frustrated with God and may become disillusioned with our faith. God never promises us that our present circumstances will always make sense. Sometimes, we’ll have to wait until the present becomes the past before what we are going through becomes even remotely understandable.” ~Gary Thomas

There is something that sits profoundly well in my soul with this statement. If you believe the creator of the universe is all-knowing, perhaps it is worth considering that he can see past the wall that has blocked your view. When we look at our own circumstances, we can only see what is directly before us, not what is down the road. Instead of questioning Him, maybe it is time that we consider trusting Him. The Lord God Almighty who created you out of love...knows what is best for you...and will use all circumstances for good and for His glory.

He can see around the bend.

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. Matthew 7:9-12