By Rev Don Rivers
A familiar refrain we hear this time of the year, but can we assure the year to come will be happy? What does it take to be happy? How can we be confident that no matter the circumstances the New Year brings we will be happy? Happiness can be fleeting. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Have you ever listened to a post incident interview that took place with the drivers who were involved? Each driver has a take on what took place. Each one saw things from a different perspective. If you listen closely you can determine the one event that triggered the incident. It starts something like this; “I thought I could” or “I had the position but”. We think we can predict the results of our choices but many times the results are not what we would expect.
Our perception of the situation is different from someone else’s. Most times we don’t see and don’t understand all that is going on. Did you ever wonder why we need officials at races? They are the ones whose perception counts. They are the ones who decide what really happened. Who has the final say on the other decisions we make in our life? Whose opinion do we listen to?
What does this have to do with being happy? Happiness is a tricky thing. We seem to be in constant pursuit of this condition we call happiness, but the truth remains it is fleeting. We can contrast that with contentment and finding peace no matter what the circumstances are. That is more attainable, that is a condition of the heart that we receive when God is present.
When we understand that the results of our decisions affect more than just us, our perspective changes. When we realize that things don’t revolve around us we begin to understand that the decisions we make should take others into consideration. When we consider the condition of others we start to see things through God’s eyes. True happiness is a direct result of how we affect the lives of others. We use the term Joy to differentiate the two.
If we continue to think that our happiness is a direct result of the things we do and have, we will be hard pressed to secure that. We become the gerbil on the wheel chasing the elusive goal of happiness. We live much of our lives focused on what we want and think we need.
There is another way. When we turn to God and seek His will to find contentment and security, what we might call happiness, we find a much more fulfilling goal. If we turn to God and rely on His provision our attention can be turned toward others. God’s plan challenges us live our lives with more consideration for the welfare of others. David concluded it this way;
Psalm 23:1; NLT: The Lord is my Shepherd; I have everything I need.
When we rely on God to secure our happiness we are free to help others find hope and peace. Paul writes in Philippians about how it should look.
Philippians 2:1-5; If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Paul reminds us that our attitude should be the same as Christ’s. Think of Jesus, He came and sacrificed His life, not for what He received, but for what we received. I believe it pleased Him to give His life up for anyone who would believe in Him. His heart was at peace and He was filled with joy. Paul outlines it for us;
Philippians 2:6-8; (Jesus), being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!
This seems contrary to our definition of happiness. How can you be suffering so and yet be “happy”?
Happiness for a Christian is defined differently than it is for others. Happiness is less a state of circumstances and more a condition of the heart. When our heart is in tune with God’s will we are filled with a peace that passes understanding and a joy that isn’t easily understood. The love of God in our lives demonstrated to others in the choices we make produces true happiness in our lives.
Paul helps us redefine our focus in life. We find the peace of God when we concentrate on the things that please God. Paul explained that being in God’s will was more important than having all the trappings the world has to offer.
Philippians4:8-13; Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
We are programmed in life to think happiness comes from what we have. That is not true. Did you ever know someone who had everything they ever wanted? That is not possible because there is always something else we want. It seems we are never satisfied. We never have everything we want.
We think that we can find fulfillment ourselves, by attaining things. We think happiness comes from having those things. The fact is that there is always something missing. Something only God can provide. No matter what we attain in life we are not satisfied until we ask Jesus into our heart. He is the only one who can fill the void that we try to fill with everything else. We can only receive that peace that passes understanding from God through Jesus.
So when I say Happy New Year I mean I hope you find the true meaning of life. I hope you realize where true satisfaction and fulfillment come from. I hope you find the saving grace of Jesus. God promises peace to those who trust in Him.
Are you at peace? God fills our hearts with joy when we pursue His will. Happiness is a result of living the life that God has planned for us. Make a New Year’s resolution that will change your life, resolve this year to submit to God’s will for your life. Let God have control and make every effort to let Him guide your thoughts and actions.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.