Are you happy? If you are not, would you like to be? Of course. Is that not what everyone is trying to find? Unfortunately, there is a problem as the scriptures remind us how the appetite of the eyes are never satisfied. Scholars, philosophers and experts that study what it means to be happy usually have many readers, because it seems we are all curious to know the secrets of how to find it and keep it. If there is one thing we can learn in our journey, I would hope we can agree that happiness is not something we attain through an earthly substance, objects or circumstances, because things or even people cannot truly make us happy. Our surroundings can no doubt add enjoyment to our life, but being filled with contentment comes from a much higher dimension. 

Happiness eludes the poor the same as the rich because humans try to substitute spiritual needs with earthly solutions. Most all of us have dreamed of things that we thought would make us happy. However, when we finally did obtain it, or at least a portion of it, we enjoyed it for a while, but sadly realized it did not quench the deep longing in our soul. Many successful people have confessed that becoming well-known and extremely wealthy were visions that came true, but these events could never fill the void of loneliness and depression that followed them. All the toys that come with this type of lifestyle only bring temporary pleasures and thrills. Mansions, yachts, jewelry, traveling around the world and collecting the treasures of kings have actually made some individuals more miserable than they were before. It’s common for people to not understand why they are so sad and then sadly turn to alcohol, sex or drugs to dull the pain of this deep disappointment. There are many accounts that describe the horrors of those who have won huge lotteries and were eventually ruined. King Solomon had everything the world could offer and was so depressed he was quoted saying, “all the riches of life are nothing more than vanity.”  

So, how can we find happiness? What we are searching for is actually more than being emotionally happy. It’s called joy, and is a spiritual reality that only comes from knowing Him personally. Joy is having confidence even when things are not going perfect because we are convinced that God is in control. In fact, joy can be experienced in the darkest places of our journey. When life brings raging storms that would try to scare us and shake our faith, we can stand strong in the joy of knowing that God will always take care of us. We are filled with hope and contentment when we know we are walking according to His plans, as His perfect peace will provide comfort and contentment to those who trust Him.

Dr. Holland lives in Central Kentucky with his wife Cheryl, where he is a Christian author, outreach minister and community chaplain. To learn more visit: billyhollandministries.com