True Happiness - Is it Possible?

By Bruce Mackay

Every person desires true happiness.  It is the quest of every human, regardless of culture, country or religion.  The longing for happiness lies deep in the heart of everyone.  Yet few find true happiness.  Why?  Why do all seek and desire true happiness, but so few find it, keep it and live it?

Could it be that we search the wrong places?  The things we think will bring happiness actually don’t.  Many a millionaire has declared that they thought money could buy happiness, but have been disillusioned.  How many have walked down the aisle in marriage, believing that the result would be true happiness, only to be disappointed as their many expectations could never be met.  Others have thought that success would bring happiness, yet it only brought depression.  No one can say that true lasting happiness has been found through money, sport, knowledge or fame.  It may have brought some temporary pleasure, but not lasting happiness.  The search for true happiness is like chasing the wind or trying to hold water in our hands.  It is allusive.  No wonder crowds of people would follow Jesus and sit and listen to His words, because He spoke about true happiness and lasting peace and joy. 

Two Kinds of Happiness

There is a temporary happiness.  This comes to us when circumstances are just right, when things are pleasant and we are free of troubles.  As we all know, this can never last.  Circumstances can change in an instant and, with it, happiness evaporates.  If we were really truthful, we would acknowledge that even in ideal circumstances happiness can be missing.  We can still be troubled within.  We are still unsettled about our children, our future, our finances or relationships.  Something eludes us.  The happy moment we experience still seems to fall short of what we long for deep within.  This first type of happiness is only temporary and shallow.  It always disappears and the desire for true happiness remains. 

There is a happiness that comes from God.  It is a happiness that costs.  It brings an inner peace regardless of circumstances.  No matter what situation or difficult circumstance that we face (and we all face them) true happiness remains.  In fact, it can even grow stronger in adversity.  The happiness through Jesus is a contentment that fills the soul, even if the eyes are filled with tears.  True happiness is not based on success or  failure, wealth or poverty, fame or obscurity.  Jesus taught that true happiness is based on our attitudes.  Jesus sat on a mountain side and taught His disciples regarding attitudes that bring blessing, contentment, peace and true happiness. 

Nine Attitudes to True Happiness

The Bible speaks of nine gifts of the Spirit and nine fruits of the Spirit.  Jesus described nine attitudes that bring true happiness. Matthew 5:1-12
1. An attitude of spiritual poverty
2. An attitude that mourns and grieves
3. An attitude of meekness
4. An attitude that hungers and thirsts for righteousness
5. An attitude that shows mercy
6. An attitude that turns from sin
7. An attitude that makes peace
8. An attitude that doesn’t react negatively to persecution
9. An attitude that doesn’t retaliate when falsely accused