"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!
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!
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