That which makes the rest of the human race sad can certainly make your joy greater.
Let me tell you this little story that I think will be beneficial to you and bears repeating. A young couple was invited to spend a weekend at the extravagant second home of the husband's employer. This included the best restaurants, nice amenities, and a lavish room. After the three of them dined and were walking back to the mansion, the woman noticed the employer bent down and picked up an old, dirty penny. "What on earth would he want with that?" said the woman to herself. As they sat and chatted at the home, the woman could no longer keep her curiosity in check. She just had to ask the man. He gave her the penny and then asked her what was written on it. She responded, "Liberty, 1982." He then said, "No, no! What else?" She said, "E pluribus unum." He said, "What else?" She then said, "In God we trust." He now had her undivided attention, and he told them both that all the pennies in the world have that same saying on them. It is one of God's reminders to us that we need to trust him and only him. Of course we know there are millions upon millions of pennies circulating out there. God is ever so patient and awaits our response to his calling.
One form of happiness and contentment that I've discovered comes from the joy of reading. Formerly I hated and despised books or any kind of reading. Of course, this is the edge that gives one an advantage in life. I assure you that if you're not much of a reader, like I once was, reading does beckon to you for a taste of her crisp wine. Taste the knowledge that sets you free from the delusions that surround you in this world. I have found that the more I read, the more I get insight (Proverbs 4: 7), and more happiness just keeps coming my way. It's surely one way to keep out of trouble, so to speak. There is enough trouble in the world, and we can shield ourselves from a lot of it by occupying our time gaining knowledge, not just information. Of course, we must test everything we read, for not all reading material is profitable. The power within the bible can change your life beyond what you thought possible. And of course, the devil and his henchmen will always try to discourage you from reading it. Guard your intellect, and flee from hedonism. For those who can't read, the radio or spiritual tapes and CD's can help with this. As Jesus Christ has said, "Seek and you will find." Where have you been looking lately for inner peace and fulfillment?
If you truly desire to be happy (not entertained or amused), my friend, just be content with food, clothing, and shelter. This idea is not cumbersome at all. If you steadfastly live in gratitude, you will then experience and possess what I have, namely, few worldly cares. This also keeps humility in your life. You will never be disappointed, though the world should change, as we can see this quite clearly as of late. Be wise, and do prepare and plan for the future, but do not be worried about it. Be prudent, but not obsessed. A person who constantly worries achieves nothing but stress and anxiety. I happen to know a person who just this morning had stomach surgery, and it was caused by ulcers. Having known the lifestyle of this person, it is not surprising to me because ulcers are the direct result of constant worry and ambivalence. Believe that you can get past your adversity, and suddenly, you will see that you have been helped already! You know most of us are a little of Mary and a little of Martha (Luke 10: 40-42).
In closing, always remember that your true riches and happiness are not in your material wealth but rather in "whatever is lovely, whatever is true , honorable, just, pure and gracious" (Philippians 4: 8). We need to focus on the spiritually good things first to be happy: "Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap" (Luke 6: 38). Leave all judgment to God alone, and your happiness will never be obscure.
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