. . . No Matter How I Feel

What is happiness?  Is it having the family all cuddled up on the couch in front of the fire?  Is happiness alone-time with a good book and no interruptions?  Is it the deep sense of satisfaction for having done a good days work or helping someone in need?

The emotion of happiness is elusive.  It is temporary and fleeting.  It blows in like the breeze and then blows out again.  But so often, that feeling is the holy grail of our experience.  We chase it.  We yearn for it.  Many have made life altering decisions in the name of “happiness” only to realize their pursuit was in vain.  In light of all of this, where do we look to find the answer?

We need a standard with which to measure our decisions.  I have seen enough bad decisions in the name of happiness to know it cannot be my guidepost.  As we discussed last time, Solomon came to the following conclusion after his journey to find meaning:

Ecclesiastes 12:13

Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.

What do I do when I don’t feel happy?  The answer is to fear God and keep his commandments.  I have a saying that keeps me grounded when I don’t feel like things are moving in the right direction.

God’s word is true, no matter how I feel.

When I feel like God is not there, I remember that his word says he’ll never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5).  When I feel unworthy, I remember that ‘he who knew no sin became sin for me so that in him I might become the righteousness of God’ (2 Corinthians 5:21) .  Then I also remember these pertinent verses that help reinforce this truth.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Philippians 1:6

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Matthew 6:28-34

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Thought Questions:

• Are there other verses that provide encouragement when you feel down?
• What do you think of the statement “God’s word is true no matter how I feel?”  Do you think that concept would help you during a difficult time?

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This post is in response to MamaBlogga’s Group Writing Project. It’s been fun and has made me think a little harder, which is a great thing.  Check back on Thursday for a link to my favorite contributor to this project.

Related posts:

1. Finding Meaning