Finding happy

hap·py  /ˈhapē/ 

a sense of well-being not dependent on circumstances.

Jesus said we're blessed when we're at the end our rope, because then the kingdom of heaven belongs to us.

He said we're blessed when we're deeply saddened over our own sin and the suffering of others.

He said the people who will inherit the earth are the ones who are meek-- those who typify strength under control. (paraphrasing Matthew 5:3-5)

So how does all that line up with recent events?  Hurricane Sandy?  The first 2 definitely apply.  The election?  Any of them could apply depending on where you sit...

I came across an article stating the determining factors for happiness are 1) your level of emotional maturity, and 2) your ability to be present in the moment. That rings pretty true when you run it through the filter of who Jesus is and what He taught.

When things go the way you want-- of course you're happy.  But when they don't what happens?  Do you throw in the towel?  Do you choke somebody with the towel? 

Or do you pray and seek to hear what Jesus is saying through His Word, the Bible? We can twist Bible verses to affirm throwing in the towel (or even choking others).

Think about what one guy said when he was imprisoned for his faith, sitting in a cold dark cell, writing to followers of Jesus who were being severely persecuted by the State (Rome), by people from their religious heritage (Judaism) and by a proliferation of false teachers:

 

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

That's challenging and encouraging, and probably a good prescription: "Take several times a day as needed..."