Notes of Faith February 4, 2025

Pursuing Happiness

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.

Philippians 4:11

“All men...are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” These famous words from the American Declaration of Independence have been criticized by some who say that Americans believe it is their right to be happy.

In modern terms, happiness usually refers to laughter—an emotional response to life’s circumstances. It is worth noting that there is no reference in the four Gospels to Jesus laughing (though He undoubtedly did when appropriate). Far more prevalent in Scripture is the notion of joy and the idea of contentment. Contentment is the idea of finding joy in the will of God whatever the circumstance. Jesus didn’t laugh in the Garden of Gethsemane as He contemplated His future death, but He was content with God’s will for Him at that moment.

True joy and contentment are found in the Person of Christ. Our pursuit of happiness must lead us to joy and contentment in Him.

If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.

Charles Spurgeon

Phil 4:11-14

I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

If you cannot be content in the circumstances in which you find yourself, you will never find contentment, always wanting more.

Pastor Dlae