The Source of Happiness

 "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us" (Romans 5:1-5 NIV).  

Our happiness lies in peace with God, purchased for us by Jesus Christ. 

When troubling or fear-inducing circumstances first appear, we may suffer through a season of struggle. It is as though we have trouble surfacing from waters of fear that close over our heads.  As we kick and flail and cry out to Jesus--often saying things to our Lord that we later wish we had not (usually along the lines of "How could You have allowed this?")--He helps us to the surface. We break free of the suffocating first-effects of shock, and find that fresh, clean air of hope is still ours to breath because God is with us. Like Peter, who sank beneath the stormy waters until Jesus grasped his outstretched hand, our Lord answers our frantic cries for help.  

When we are uncomfortable with grief or fear, is important to remember that the Lord has hold of us and will pull us to the surface. The miserable state of panic is temporary, and God will bring us through in ways we could not imagine possible. 

I pray to remember that grief, fear, and pain are temporary states, and not to dishonor the Lord by throwing an emotional tantrum toward Him the next time something happens that causes me to suffer in ways I very much do not want to suffer. I think we increase our own discomfort and perhaps prolong our own suffering when we waste time in panic. But whether we cry out in anguish of fear and pain or suffer in a more noble-appearing fashion, the Lord does not let go of us.  He will bring us through.  

Blessed be His Name.