Wanda Bam

“Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God.”  Psalm 146:5

“He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good; And whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.” Proverbs 16:20

Everyone wants to be happy. Unfortunately, many of us never find it because we continue to search for it in all the wrong places.

Happiness is a natural state into which we are born and in which we ought to live.  Regrettably, we have often been taught and indoctrinated into finding comfort in unhappiness. In a way we are not familiar with happiness; it almost feels uncomfortable and undeserved. Maybe this is why we sometimes find ourselves seeking the worst in others or situations and generally expect the worst. It is an effort to be and remain happy and full of joy. Fortunately, we are meant to be happy and it is not being self-centred or insensitive to the realities that surround us. Many times we actually feel guilty when we are happy, while there is so much unhappiness around us.

Well, the reality is, we have been created to experience and enjoy creation in all its wonder, and to share the joy with others and not to compare ourselves with others. It is pointless and meaningless to continuously moan and groan about the negative issues and how unhappy we are. Those who are happy and have joy are generally, if not mostly, the least self-centred and self-oriented. True happiness is not the result of a situation or circumstances and is most certainly not dependent on circumstances.  We, not our circumstances, determine our joy.

Sustainable happiness is built into the foundations of eternity when it is based on a relationship with God. On a human level, happiness becomes real when we gladly give to others, when we do good to others, when we realise our dreams after we have worked hard to reach them, when we learn from the wisdom of the elderly, when we appreciate the nuances in the innocence of a child and by laughing frequently as it is the lubricant for a happy psyche. We should live each day as though it were our last on this earth. Let us then gird ourselves with these thoughts and lift our hands in praise and worship, because this is where we find true and lasting happiness and joy. 

Prayer: Lord, here and now, where You are, teach me to be happy. Teach me to see the beauty in imperfection and to delight in the miracles of each moment. Amen