Do You Want to Be Happy?

A friend sent me a link to a discussion on NPR (National Public Radio) regarding happiness. Part of the program was an analysis of a group of students from a prestigious university. They studied their lives from graduation through various stages of their lives (some to the end). Many of these students may be said to have been born with a silver spoon in their mouths. Most have lived unhappy, if not tragic, lives. Why?

The program seemed to conclude that when we pursue happiness, we fall short of finding it. But when we strive, instead, for a fulfilling life (although definitions varied), often happiness follows. Working diligently, partaking in moderation, enduring trials, and nurturing good relationships became the pillars the specialists surmised as the means of finding this satisfaction.

To these experts, this is a new discovery. To those of us familiar with the Bible, this is very old news.

Regarding relationships and hard work, the Bible says: "Enjoy life with the wife of your youth, all the days of your fleeting life that He has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might..." Ecclesiastes 9:9-10

Moderation: "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit..." Ephesians 5:18

Enduring trials: "The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools." Ecclesiastes 7:4-5

These are just a few of the many verses that discuss our pursuit and focus in life, on what brings ultimate satisfaction.

Ironically, as the Bible has said for thousands of years and as mankind discovers and rediscovers (and forgets), it is not in aiming for what we want that we find happiness, but in aiming for what is right that we find what we have always wanted.

The most important aim, only alluded to in NPR's analysis, is this:
"The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with ever secret thing, whether good or evil." Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

C.S. Lewis said, and he sums this up perfectly:
"Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither."