That Haunting Whistling

      "Don't Worry, Be Happy" is a fairly nondescript song by musician Bobby McFerrin from the late 1980's espousing the virtue of just simply being happy. Somehow, out of the blue, it crossed my mind this morning---just goes to show that even my brain takes an occasional odd twist. Got me to thinking, though. Our Declaration of Independence proclaims "the pursuit of happiness" one of our "unalienable (fundamental, inherent) Rights." Many folks will quickly and openly tell you that being happy is exactly and naturally what one should really be seeking in life. I have many facebook friends who often express in posted pics their happiness---tho' their words mainly express gripes, opinions, fears, and concerns. It seems to me that happiness has become our purest American Idol (sorry, couldn't resist) pushing all other virtues far into a blurred background. I'm thinking happiness isolated as an overriding quest becomes a very lonely phantom. 

       "So what?" you say. Not sure yet; give me a couple of minutes. Certainly, our other proclaimed unalienable rights---life and liberty---play a distant second and third fiddles. Abortion and prohibitive costs of medical care and curative drugs say much about our dishonor for life. Our isolationist foreign policy and  the increasing attacks on our daily lifestyles speak much of our belittling of liberty. So, it's back to the pursuit of happiness---and pursue it we do.
      I can only speak for myself on this. I believe, to a large extent, we choose to be happy or not. Jesus said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). So, I choose to believe that and accept it and opt to be happy. I was never the hottest guy around (but okay); eventually, I read Paul's remarks, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you . . ." (1 Cor 6:19). I just figured if it's good enough for the Spirit, it's good enough for me. I'm happy. Also, I've always had plenty (all one could truly need) of wealth and things: "Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have . . ." (Heb 13:5). I've been happy and more than blessed by God. He allowed me to love the work I did (Prov 12:11), and He kept loved ones all around me (Psa 128:3). I'm happy. God gave me a home where I wanted to live---serenity itself, not the hustle of city life, and He has allowed me to enjoy the simple, basic things in living (Mic 6:8). I'm happy. As I age, I'm learning more and more to let go of past hurts, and I'm becoming more and more spiritual in my view of life itself (Mat 6:33). I'm happy. I exhort you to enjoy those perfect moments when they happen---perfection doesn't last long on Earth. Overall, I suspect my happy listings match most of yours.
      So, after all this seemingly extraneous rambling, I conclude:  The pursuit (of happiness) must be focused on something else and directed by Biblical principles or else it is futile. We have the declared Right to pursue happiness---but pursuing Christ's approval is the ultimate pathway to happiness. You certainly are free to disagree with me. But, only the Holy Spirit can ultimately comfort and completely fill the emptiness---the spiritual unhappiness---that humans inevitably weather. 
      That haunting whistling from the song is reminding you not to worry, but simply being happy doesn't cut it. It won't work. It's just not life. It's a lie. Our expulsion from the Garden of Eden (however you want to interpret it) made true happiness impossible till finally comes the comfort of the Holy Spirit. That whistling will just echo quietly somewhere in your consciousness---occasionally thrown to the surface to refresh your awareness of your need for happiness. The indwelling Holy Spirit is what you need and long for. I'll continue to pursue happiness myself---but, I have a most amazing Helper!




           
      

Leaping Like Calves from the Stall

      I can't help but laugh at the convoluted arguments supporters of abortion and other sinful behaviors use to justify their beliefs and actions. It would be funny were it not so sad . . . well, I decided a few weeks back to lighten up, to intentionally remove stress from my life.  So, my resolve is to pray genuinely for these people (and covet their prayers for me) . . . then, quietly leave it (and them) in God's hands. However, I get a kick out of replying very succinctly to all supporters of Planned Parenthood: Abortion is wrong.  They have no real argument at that point.  All they can do is rant illogically or walk silently away thinking me a fool or shrug their misguided shoulders. Our God respects life. However, despite myself, I find the sinful lifestyles about me very disquieting (and I do not dismiss myself from the guilty).

       I have dozens of outside yard-and-house tasks I'd like to get done, but I'm determined to complete the treasure boxes and cars/trucks that I've started for the Christmas Shoebox Drive at church. Anything that can go wrong, has.  And, I'm expecting more missteps still to come.  But, I will finish this project before the deadline---short of some disastrous interruptions. I'm determined to fight off the creeping apprehension that's crawling into my life as a result---feeling I need to be working at other tasks as well. Again, another thing I'm turning over to my God. No more stress.

      Health issues have begun to weigh down upon us a bit.  Jan's thyroid cancer and consequent removal and treatment with the wait to see if all is basically contained was very intense; my not-so-debilitating cold that is interfering in its own minimal fashion; worries about children and grandchildren; the threat of a major health problem for one of Jan's brothers: These are all completely out of our control, but nevertheless encumber us with concerns and . . . yes, stress. In Malachi 4:2, it states, "But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall." I just love that image! It speaks more to me than a 100 words on peace and serenity would speak. Once again, I have opportunities to leave my burdens at the feet of my Lord . . . and I elect to do so (I might add, in a hopping fashion).

       We are admonished over and over in our Word not to live worried lives.  " . . . do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:6-7). We are to be " . . . casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you" (1 Pet 5:7). So, I'm trying to figure out just how to go about completely "leaping from my stall" and living with a much more simple, yet constant faith in Him.  I invite you to take this journey, too.

The Pivotal Moment in All of History

      Some people assign events in their lives to fate or chance or luck. That is so foolish. So shortsighted. So disenfranchising. Happily, God is willing to work in our lives and has purposes in our lives. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jer 29:11). Many folks nowadays dismiss that idea out-of-hand. But, if Christians doubt that God has plans for our lives, we need to reconsider our approach to life and worship. I'm convinced He is continually readjusting and coordinating possibilities for us, as we are constantly making our moment-to-moment choices: "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps" (Prov 6:9). God lets us choose our own path, but helps us deal with day-to-day living. As a result, our spiritual lives are very complicated, nuanced affairs and, therein, lies a necessity for continual prayer.  
       So, tell me to get real---that this is too mental, that you don't want to think about it in this depth. That's fine; I'm speaking mainly to myself anyway, I guess. With that, I wonder what God's overall purpose is for us? "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Eccles 12:13). 
       God's desires for our lives include some really difficult (yet basic) requests. "So, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, . . . Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Phil 2:1-4) was the way Paul stated it. Jesus put it more simply and completely disarms us by commanding us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Just try that (really try that)  day-in-day-out, year-in-year-out: Talk about a challenge! God's plans for us are good, just as He is good and that makes it easy to love Him, but people are intrinsically evil and very difficult to love. That's my personal challenge; I'm critical (just one of my deficiencies) and sometimes overly demanding to the point of being merciless. But, I'm working on that weakness with the help of the Holy Spirit. At the end of my days here on earth, I would love "to be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith---that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection . . ." (Phil 3:9-10).
       I completely believe that the pivotal moment in all of history occurred when Jesus was resurrected---that was it! And that is why we have a hope and a future. Our time here on this earth is troublesome---yes, indeed. Nevertheless, my Christianity is supernatural; I have a personal relationship with Him; He is actively involved in my life. "Commit your work (your life, your being) to the Lord, and your plans will be established" (Prov 16:3).  Yep, I believe God has purposes for our lives and that He actually cares about us.