HAPPY defined, “favored by luck or fortune; enjoying well being and contentment.” Most people use the word in the sense of the first definition, favored by luck. This takes happiness out of the grasp of the individual and places it in the loose grip of fate. It is something that the individual has no control over. Happiness becomes circumstantial. Some folks can never attain this happy state because their circumstances are not favored by luck or fortune. Notice King Ahab who wanted the vineyard of Naboth, But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said to him, “”Why is your spirit so sullen that you eat no food?”  He said to her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite, and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money; or else, if it pleases you, I will give you another vineyard for it.’ And he answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’ ” Then Jezebel his wife said to him, “You now exercise authority over Israel! Arise, eat food, and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”” 1Ki 21:5-7. The childish reaction of Ahab revealed his miserable state. He lay on his bed with his face to the wall and would not eat. His happiness depended upon the luck of receiving the possession of another man. Some folks expect happiness to drop in their laps with no effort. Yet in reality it is elusive and some never find it.

            The second definition is attainable, enjoying well being and contentment. This state looks not at what you do not have but at what one does have and is contented with it. Real happiness comes from a relationship with God which is very attainable.  Psa 144:15  “Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!” Their happiness is found within themselves, in their love and commitment to God. Notice Psa 146:5: “Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God.” How many people sacrifice their monetary blessings by gambling, hoping to get more and obtain more joy. If a man cannot be happy with a little, he will not be happy with a lot! Pro 3:13  “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding.” Pro 16:20 “He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he.” Notice the things that provide happiness: a relationship with God; one whose hope is in God; the man who gains wisdom and understanding; he who trusts in the Lord. We can exercise control over these matters. We develop faith by reading the Word of God, Romans 10:17 and these building blocks of Happiness become our possession. With this change in mindset it is no longer, “I will be happy if…” or “I will be happy when…” but “I AM HAPPY NOW no matter what my circumstances.” Php 4:11 “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”

Php 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”