Lasting happiness follows contentment

Are we a happy people? Some studies indicate that less than half of all Americans consider themselves happy. A Harris Poll was taken in 2017 and only 33 percent of the Americans surveyed said they were happy. In 2016, just 31 percent of Americans reported the same.

I read an interesting article in the New York Times that addresses this issue of people wanting to be happy. A New York Times article reported that on Jan. 12, several days after registration opened at Yale University, a class — Psyc 157 named "Psychology and the Good Life" — had an enrollment of 300 students. Three days later, the class enrollment had doubled, and in three more days, a shocking 1,200 students were enrolled. The course, taught by a psychology professor, “tries to teach students how to lead a happier, more satisfying life in twice-weekly lectures.” (New York Times, Jan. 26)

With the twists, turns and dramatic changes in this life, we all want happiness and contentment. Part of that is finding meaning to this whole journey called "life." Without purpose to life, how can we have happiness? If we are born, live and then die, enter oblivion and nothingness, how can we make sense of life? Further, what is the difference in happiness and contentment?

Once again, the Bible gives its readers some insight into happiness. The Apostle Paul, a prominent character in the Bible, had reason to be unhappy. During his adult life, he was beaten, stoned, put in prison in chains, suffered from poor health, probably had bad eyesight, and survived a shipwreck at sea. Added to that, at Malta after the shipwreck, Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake. The Bible relates the incident and noted that the onlookers who knew very well how venomous the particular snake was, expected the victim to “swell up or fall down dead.” Since Paul remained unharmed, they concluded that he was a god (Acts 28:5).

Furthermore, we do not know about all particulars and all the other suffering that Paul endured during his adult life. Those simply are not recorded in the scriptures. I am sure that he suffered chronic lifelong pain from the brutal beatings and floggings he endured.

Yet interestingly enough, Paul talked about being content and being happy. After all that he had been through, he wrote: “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight ( my emphasis) in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Christ was his defender, his solace and his comfort. Paul also said that he was content in any circumstance. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” he wrote (Philippians 4:11) If Paul’s happiness was based on circumstances, Paul would have been the most unhappy of all. He may not have always had enough to eat, or a comfortable place to sleep, since he spent so much time in prison. He was a hated and despised man by many and some were always out to get him.

But Paul said that he had learned to be content in whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4:12) The key word there seems to be to be "learned." That indicates a willful and objective assessment of what he had to be thankful for, and then choosing to be happy. So not only was Paul happy, he had a contentment that was long lasting.

The world offers many avenues to contentment. I would never say the pursuit of the best advantages in life is not good. Yet, something deeper, something more substantial, something eternal must be in place in one’s life when difficulties, heartbreak, distresses and disasters befall us. Charlie and I just celebrated 48 years of marriage. As we said our vows as young adults, we were oblivious to the hardships and losses that were waiting ahead in the years to come. Most of all, did we ever dream that we would endure the death of our only son, a much beloved son, a grown son… a son with such potential and a full life ahead?

What is the secret to happiness? I am not qualified to teach a happiness course at Yale, or write a best seller on how to find happiness. I can only say that the same Lord, who was with Paul in the worst of his days, has been with me in the worst of mine.

The good news in that? Jesus is available to anyone who needs him.

Judy Brandon is a Clovis resident. Contact her at: [email protected]