I hope that most of the time I come across as being a pretty happy guy-because I really am. I’m not suggesting it’s because things always go the way I want them to nor that I’m never sorrowful or immune to experiencing grief, or even that occasionally I don’t long to go home and be with the Lord, because nothing could be further from the truth. However, over the years He’s taught me and I’ve finally learned that as long as I humbly acknowledge my total dependence upon Him for the strength, I can rise above crummy circumstances and actually rejoice in them. Needless to say, this is something I value as one of my treasured possessions. I like referring to it as being “the gift of happiness.”

Recently I became aware of some things which took place which that disparaged the reputation of Jesus Christ and his church which I began to allow to eat away at this priceless gift. It started with Obama and his relationship with his nut-case former pastor, then an equally outrageous wacko Catholic priest who was a guest performer in Obama’s former church. Perhaps this kind of stuff doesn’t bother most people, but anytime a man who claims to have been called by God to shepherd some of His children makes Jesus and His church look weird I tend to get myself a little bent out of shape. Then those two guys were followed by a person I have every reason to believe is a sane, kind, compassionate, humble, decent human being. But it saddened me very much that Pope Benedict XVI deliberately chose not take advantage of the opportunity he had to share the Gospel during his recent visit to our country. Who knows with absolute certainty that God may not have been pleased to add His blessing to the Pope’s words and save some poor lost sinners from the eternal torments of hell? But it saddened me even more when I thought of the countless times I too must squandered God given opportunities to share the Gospel. Then just as I was beginning to work through all this I came across the following and I was off and running again until the Lord jogged my memory and I accepted “the gift of happiness.”

Allow me to explain. I recently learned the Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Vermont “invited clergy and their spouses/partners to an April 15^th supper and a showing of the film, “For the Bible Tells Me So.” The film features the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire, and he, accompanied by his partner, Mark Andrew, joined the group to talk about his involvement in the film which showed how five families of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. In response to a question, Robinson spoke about the Last Supper discourse in the Gospel of John, where Jesus says, “I have more things to teach you, but you cannot bear them right now, so I will send you the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth.” Robinson added, “I ask the question, ‘Could it be that this is yet another instance of the Holy Spirit leading us into the kind of truth that no one could bear 2,000 years ago, or a thousand years ago, or fifty years ago?” And then I say, ‘How exciting is it to worship the living God who is still interacting with us and didn’t lock everything up in Scripture 2,000 years ago, and sort of over his shoulder, is going off on vacation and saying, “I hope this works for you. I’m outta here.’ That seems to resonate with people.” In conclusion, Robinson said, “…I don’t know why God choose now. I certainly don’t know why God chose me, but I am going to try to be as good a steward of that opportunity and that privilege as I can be,” (A). Last weekend this pathetical demonically deluded man and his partner were united in a civil union. “When he announced the date for the ceremony, Bishop Robinson said that he always wished to be a “June bride,” (B).

You have to be disconnected from reality to think this kind of stuff isn’t a major hindrance to our evangelistic efforts to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Personally, it saddens me and could put a damper on my happiness if I allowed it to. But as I said a moment ago, the Lord jogged my memory and I couldn’t help thinking about a letter Pail wrote to folks he referred to as being the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, (Phil. 1:1). In the 16^th chapter of Acts we learned these were the people the Holy Spirit used Paul, Silas and Timothy to start a church in that city. Among those converts was a devout woman named Lydia and her household, and a poor slave girl who was possessed by a demon whom Paul drove out; an act for which he and Silas were stripped of their cloths, beaten severely and thrown into the city’s prison where their feet were fastened in the stock. Picking up from there we read:

Acts 16:25-34 (NIV) ²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶ Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose. ²⁷ The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. ²⁸ But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” ²⁹ The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” ³¹ They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved–you and your household.” ³² Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. ³³ At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. ³⁴ The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God–he and his whole family. And that jailer together with his household became the rest of the church in Philippi.

Now, ten years later, Paul was back again in prison, probably awaiting his execution. He loved that little church at Philippi and didn’t want them to lose their happiness by worrying about him or by their having to contend with the things being done and said by phony professed believers in their church. If those genuine Christians allowed these divinely ordained circumstances to get to them, they would rob themselves of something only a Christian can experience, and that is the ability to be truly happy. Unhappy Christians back then and in our own day are a contradiction of the power of the Gospel working in a Christian’s life, and are a poor recommendation for unbelievers to consider embracing the Christian faith. The difference between the successes of the evangelistic efforts of a joyful, happy Christian contrasted with those of an unhappy one is as stark as black and white. Look at Paul.

Philippians 1:12-24 (NIV) ¹² Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. ¹³ As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. ¹⁴ Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. ¹⁵ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶ The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷ The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. ¹⁸ But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹ for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. ²⁰ I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹ For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ²² If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³ I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

When Paul factored in the Philippians loving prayerful concern for him together with his realization that Jesus Christ Himself was working within him and all that was going on in his life, Paul was a very happy man. I rejoice, says Paul, Yes, and I will continue to rejoice (vs. 18). Later in his letter Paul reiterates this fact by reminding those first century Christians to follow his lead.

Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV) ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Don’t worry about me, says Paul. And don’t make yourselves unhappy because of the things those professed followers of Jesus are saying and doing. The Lord is near. In fact, He’s so close that He’s living right inside of you and He’s coming back for you soon. Don’t worry! Instead, you must rejoice in the Lord, and not just when things are going the way you want them to, but always!

But what does it mean to rejoice in the Lord? Is it a feeling of happiness because of nice things that are happening in our life? According to Paul, that isn’t so. On the contrary, it’s something we are commanded to do regardless of our circumstances? And if it’s something we’re commanded to do, how do we go about producing it? What do we have to do? We must be very careful at this point. For instance, Martyn Lloyd-Jones cautions about what we should not do. However, we must avoid “the danger of trying to produce this state of rejoicing by making a direct attack upon the emotions,” In other words, “we must [not] begin to do things to ourselves emotionally in order that we may get into this happy state. And of course, we are familiar with the variety of methods that people will persist in employing to this end. For instance, in a public meeting, or in a public act of worship, think how often something like this happens: the leader of the meeting, or someone else, says, “Well now, the first thing is to get this congregation or gathering into a good mood. Let’s put on hymns or tunes or choruses of a certain type- we must get them happy, we must get them to rejoice. They have come in cold and miserable; let’s get them into a good, happy state.’ So they put on bright, cheerful hymns to get the people to rejoice.”

Lloyd-Jones continues: “I think I can demonstrate that such a direct attack on the emotions is, according to the New Testament, one of the most dangerous things we can do; that it is the high road to false teaching and the various cults. There are many ways in which people can make themselves feel happy: by taking drugs, by manipulating circumstances, or by groping in the realm of make-believe, fancy and fantasy, for example. There is an almost endless variety of ways, and, from the Christian standpoint, that is the major trouble of the world today. The world is full of troubles and unhappiness, terrible things are threatening life today, but instead of facing these things realistically and adopting the Christian way of surmounting them, people deliberately turn their back upon the troubles and, in their search for joy, happiness and peace, create an artificial sense of happiness and pleasure,”(c).

Although Lloyd-Jones preached those words in a sermon in London during the dark days of World War Two, his analysis is just as relevant today. Does this kind of stuff sound familiar to you folks? Come to our great church and treat yourself to great music with an awesome, rockin’ band! You’ll love our great kids and great youth programs—and great food! Conspicuous by its absence in the promotional material is any reference the greatness of the incomprehensible love and mercy of the One who willingly left the glory He enjoyed in Heaven with His Father, and allowed Himself to be born in a stinking rat infested stable as a human baby, and then go on to suffer and die and agonizing death on a cross because of His great love. Nor is there any mention of God’s great hatred of sin and about how His great righteousness demands He punish it, or about the great peril sinners who refuse to accept Jesus’ great love are in, or the greatness of His followers slowly being transformed into becoming beautiful Christ-like creatures. Paul didn’t stoop to use the kinds of marketing tactics which are so prevalent in the “successful” Protestant churches today. On the contrary, and although his body was wasting away because of the many severe torments it had been subjected to; Paul lived out his God given faith in a manner which was a magnificent testimonial to the power of the Gospel working within him.

2 Corinthians 4:1-2 (AMP) ¹ THEREFORE, SINCE we do hold and engage in this ministry by the mercy of God [granting us favor, benefits, opportunities, and especially salvation], we do not get discouraged (spiritless and despondent with fear) or become faint with weariness and exhaustion. ² We have renounced disgraceful ways (secret thoughts, feelings, desires and underhandedness, the methods and arts that men hide through shame); we refuse to deal craftily (to practice trickery and cunning) or to adulterate or handle dishonestly the Word of God, but we state the truth openly (clearly and candidly)[unlike many of today’s churches]. And so we commend ourselves in the sight and presence of God to every man’s conscience.

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (AMP) ⁷ However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves. ⁸ We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; ⁹ We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed; ¹⁰ Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies. ¹¹ For we who live are constantly [experiencing] being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced through our flesh which is liable to death. ¹² Thus death is actively at work in us, but [it is in order that our] life [may be actively at work] in you.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (AMP) ¹⁶ Therefore we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear). Though our outer man is [progressively] decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day after day. ¹⁷ For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!], ¹⁸ Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.

2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (AMP) ¹ FOR WE know that if the tent which is our earthly home is destroyed (dissolved), we have from God a building, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. ² Here indeed, in this [present abode, body], we sigh and groan inwardly, because we yearn to be clothed over [we yearn to put on our celestial body like a garment, to be fitted out] with our heavenly dwelling, ³ So that by putting it on we may not be found naked (without a body). ⁴ For while we are still in this tent, we groan under the burden and sigh deeply (weighed down, depressed, oppressed)—not that we want to put off the body (the clothing of the spirit), but rather that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal (our dying body) may be swallowed up by life [after the resurrection]. ⁵ Now He Who has fashioned us [preparing and making us fit] for this very thing is God, Who also has given us the [Holy] Spirit as a guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise]. ⁶ So then, we are always full of good and hopeful and confident courage; we know that while we are at home in the body, we are abroad from the home with the Lord [that is promised us]. ⁷ For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance. ⁸ [Yes] we have confident and hopeful courage and are pleased rather to be away from home out of the body and be at home with the Lord. ⁹ Therefore, whether we are at home [on earth away from Him] or away from home [and with Him], we are constantly ambitious and strive earnestly to be pleasing to Him. ¹⁰ For we must all appear and be revealed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive [his pay] according to what he has done in the body, whether good or evil [considering what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing].

2 Corinthians 6:4-10 (AMP) ⁴ But we commend ourselves in every way as [true] servants of God: through great endurance, in tribulation and suffering, in hardships and privations, in sore straits and calamities, ⁵ In beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless watching, hunger; ⁶ By innocence and purity, knowledge and spiritual insight, longsuffering and patience, kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in unfeigned love; ⁷ By [speaking] the word of truth, in the power of God, with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand [to attack] and for the left hand [to defend]; ⁸ Amid honor and dishonor; in defaming and evil report and in praise and good report. [We are branded] as deceivers (impostors), and [yet vindicated as] truthful and honest. ⁹ [We are treated] as unknown and ignored [by the world], and [yet we are] well-known and recognized [by God and His people]; as dying, and yet here we are alive; as chastened by suffering and [yet] not killed; ¹⁰ As grieved and mourning, yet [we are] always rejoicing; as poor [ourselves, yet] bestowing riches on many; as having nothing, and [yet in reality] possessing all things.

2 Corinthians 7:4 (AMP) ⁴ I have great boldness and free and fearless confidence and cheerful courage toward you; my pride in you is great. I am filled [brimful] with the comfort [of it]; with all our tribulation and in spite of it, [I am filled with comfort] I am overflowing with joy.

Philippians 4:4 (AMP) ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!

Have you accepted “the gift of happiness” which will enable you to be happy and rejoice in the Lord always?  If so, then praise God through whom all your blessings flow. However, if you are still unhappy; Lord willing, next week….

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(A)MOUNTAIN ECHO Vol. 19, No. 5, May 2008, pages I & D.

(B) A TALE of TWO BISHOPS, AlbertMohler.com, June 11, 2008.

(C) THE LIFE of PEACE, D. Martyn-Lloyd Jones, ©1990 Mrs. Bethan Lloyd-Jones, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516, pages 10-11.