The events of this year have undoubtedly brought unhappiness to your life in one form or another. Whether your greater obstacles came from the virus itself or from people’s reaction to the virus, we’ve all been affected. I’ve especially been disappointed to see many Christians attacking one another regarding the pandemic. Saying 2020 made you unhappy is one thing, but what has 2020 done to your joy? Happiness and joy are not identical. Think about yourself and your relationship with God. Do difficult times rob you of your joy? Or do you remain joyful through challenging experiences?
Most people spend their lives searching for happiness. Few find it. The very concept of happiness is rooted in “happenstance.” Pleasant moments in time don’t endure and favorable circumstances are fleeting. In fact, if you were to ask most people what would make them happy, the answers would likely be just as frustrating as how they perceive their problems, and this is the real issue. Many chase happiness and catch misery. This result is inevitable until we realize we should seek joy rather than happiness.
In the New Testament, the Jewish leaders sought happiness in control and dominance. Therefore, they were glad that Judas was willing to betray Jesus to them (Mk 14:10-11). Judas was pleased to receive money from them to do exactly that (Lk 22:4-6). However, this did not provide a joyous result for them but only led to greater depression and desperation. Even before Christ’s victory over death, Judas took his own life (Matt 27:3-10). Notice how these men maintained a focus on the physical things of this life: money, power, and control. We can be guilty of the same today when we are too worried about physical well-being (Matt 6:25-34; Php 4:6-9).
As Paul closed his first epistle to the Thessalonians, he included this brief exhortation: “Rejoice always” (1 Thess 5:16). Paul commanded us to rejoice, and he told us to do so all the time! The inspired text also calls on us to “give thanks” in everything (1 Thess 5:18). Therefore, joy does not depend on our circumstances in this world; it depends upon spiritual things, the proper attitude toward life, and the Lord Jesus (Rom 12:9-13; Jam 4:13-15). The faithful will rejoice in a right relationship with God (Psa 5:11; 16:11; 32:11; Php 4:4). This is how our joy can endure even when something is making us unhappy. A connection to spiritual blessings in Christ will see us through many troubling times (Eph 1:3; Acts 7:54-60). As Paul wrote to the Colossian brethren, we must set our minds on heavenly things, not earthly things (Col 3:1-2).
May each brother and sister in the kingdom have proper perspective. Greater adversity brings with it a greater opportunity for blessing. When we suffer for righteousness’ sake we become better aligned with Christ, closer to our Christian family, stronger in our faith, and more motivated in our spiritual service (Jam 1:2-3; 1 Pet 1:6-7; 4:13; 5:9-10)! We are not thankful FOR each trial and hardship we face, but we are thankful THROUGH them. Our joy is invulnerable, being rooted in God’s love and our response of obedient faith (Rom 8:35-39; 1 Jn 5:4). What have the events of 2020 done to you? I’m not happy to see what’s happened, but thanks to our God – I remain joyful!
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