The pursuit of happiness can have us meandering down all manner of paths. Relationships, possessions, achievements to addictions – each one providing momentary pleasure but never quite enough to end our quest.
Happiness Defined
Everyone wants happiness, and there are many conflicting views about just want it means to be happy. Here a few definitions:
It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness. – Charles Spurgeon
Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. – Mahatma Gandhi
True happiness is… to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future. – Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Happiness depends upon ourselves. – Aristotle
Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits. – Thomas Jefferson
Happiness is dependent on self-discipline. We are the biggest obstacles to our own happiness. It is much easier to do battle with society and with others than to fight our own nature. – Dennis Prager
A mathematical formula for happiness: Reality divided by Expectations.There were two ways to be happy:improve your reality or lower your expectations. ? Jodi Picoult,
The Place of Happiness
Is happiness an illusion? Is it really our mission here on earth?
Or have we been called to something more? How do we find contentment and joy in who we are and what we have?
What does Christian happiness look like?
All questions I ponder on this morning, as I quietly reflect on Psalm 119:35, Make we walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. (NLT)
Anyone who has been around these parts know I’m what I like to refer as directionally challenged, which has caused me inevitability end up lost, frantic, and frustrated far too many times. I set out with the intent of going some place but while in route got off course. I thought I knew the way. I thought I understood the direction. BUT I ended up lost. I had to seek counsel to help me get back going in the right direction.
Is that not how we end up when looking for happiness? We think we know what will satisfy us. Only to find ourselves way off course from the paths of God’s commands.
So true ! What a great reminder that our true happiness can be found in the Lord! Perfect for us “directionally challenged” types ? I’m with ya on that ?
Oh I knew I liked you for a reason Lee, you’re my type of girl 🙂
Blessings……
love
acceptance
love
are the keys
Happiness is not a myth.It is a choice. Part of the reason it remain unattainable to many is because it is externalized and materialized.
Rhapsody recently posted..HARMONY IN DIVERSITY
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Rhapsody. I agree that many often look in the wrong places for happiness. Have a great week!
True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends
But in their worth and choice.
God bless.
Hi Victor, it’s funny how one can look for happiness in a multitude of place.
Hi Wanda! I really loved each and every one of your happiness quotes. I really resonated with the one that talks about it’s easier to fight with the world than ourselves. I often think I am my own worst enemy. I know what to do, but sometimes I just don’t do it. (Paul and I are alike in that!)
May God bring us both back to the happiness path…the one that leads to him.
Blessings,
Ceil
Hi Ceil, Paul summed that up so well for humanity. We all find ourselves at that point of knowing but not quite doing. Wishing you peace and joy.
I just love that verse. When I follow His commands there is this peace and contentment that brings me indescribable joy. His promises are so true!
Oh so true Natalie. Yet we can get lost looking for happiness down many other trails.
Hi Wanda, I thought about you today, whispered a prayer for you and stopped by to say hi. Hope you are well, happy and abundantly blessed.
Ahh, thanks so much Bernadine. Appreciate you so much for your prayers and dropping in to say hello. I’m doing well. Wishing you all the same.