Happiness = Being Content

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.”
1 Timothy 6:6-11

Written into our country’s famous Declaration of Independence is the noble idea that each citizen possesses inalienable rights, among which are “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” In the past few decades, that pursuit has become more frenzied than ever. We, a nation of millions who seek the good life, “grab all the gusto” we can.

The framers of our document of freedom did not explain that while we may have a right to happiness, finding it and maintaining it is another matter altogether. The more we look, the more elusive happiness seems.

Moses endured millions of Israelites who were anything but “happy campers.” Jeremiah and Noah preached for a lifetime under oppressive conditions with little effectiveness. Paul’s home was the inside of jail cells for several years. Yet we cannot say these and other Bible personalities were sad, disillusioned men. Anything but that. Despite their conditions, they radiated joy. Perhaps it is because they defined happiness differently. “Contentment” would best describe them.        

Searching for happiness is a roller coaster experience. Contentment, however, is one thing we can consistently attain.

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above...” James 1:17