Are You A “Happiness Postponer”?

By Josephine Lim

Yes, I’ve just invented “Happiness Postponer”!

Some people said clapping therapy helps. Some said smile and keep smiling you will be happy. Some said watch comedy shows and laugh it out loud this is medicine to your soul. Some resorting to drugs and alcohol while some resorting to “finding love” at the wrong places for the wrong reasons. We can try ways and means to make ourselves happy but all these are just temporal measures. If we are truthful we know all these can never bring us real happiness.

If I have a university degree, masters or PhD then I am happy. If I have a stable job then I am happy. If I have a big paycheque then I am happy. If I have that position or that job or that social status then I am happy. If I am good looking and taller or shorter then I am happy. If I work in this company or that company then I am happy. If I have a house or a bigger house or a house in this location or that location then I am happy. If I found someone I love then I am happy. If I get married then I will be the happiest man or woman in the world. If I have a child or more children or less children then I will be happier. If my child excels in his/her studies and become successful then I am happy. Until I achieve all these, I am going to postpone my happiness so back off! Don’t disturb me! These are, my brothers and sisters, “Happiness Postponer”!

Being human we will never be satisfied because the more we look to self, the more unsatisfied we are. The more we look intensely at the world and people around us, more likely than not we too will be unhappy. We have to recognise the fact that we are all imperfect since the fallen of men that Christ came for imperfect people like you and me. No matter how imperfect or how undeserving we are (how many times we have failed and fallen), God doesn’t care because He still loves us imperfect people perfectly that He sent His only Son - Jesus Christ to die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). There is no greater love than to lay down His life for His friend (John 15:13). Jesus still calls us His friend regardless and always reaching out to us. No matter how bad or how lowly we are, nothing will stop Him from loving us.

The more deserted, lonely and isolated we feel, the more we should reach out to Him who loves us unconditionally. He wants to replenish and restore our soul. The best way is not to withdraw but to reach out. The best way to face fear is to face it and how much more if we need support, love, strength and hope that nobody better to turn to than to our creator Himself who knows the mechanism of men and fully aware what works and what doesn’t work for each one of us.

Many times we resort to men seeking solace or with our own effort to find solutions that until we are defeated left with no clue and idea, then we have this light-bulb moment to finally turn to God for help. Why don’t we just go straight to God immediately and ask Him for Spirit of Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding to guide us through the situation so we can resolve it quickly? This saves us time, energy, heart-aches, stress and sometimes money too. You will be surprised by His overwhelmingly quick respond time that is extremely reliable and never breaks down.

Honestly, no one naturally wakes up happy 100% of the time and it would certainly surprise me if anyone wakes up happy 50% of the time. We human beings have the tendency to be sad than happy; easily disappointed than dusting it off and move on; to be moody than being a cheerleader; to be self-occupied than people focused or Christ-occupied; to be selfish than a giver; to be discouraged than be encouraged. So what can I do to break this Happiness Postponement habit of mine?

The same question I asked the Lord, “How can I be happy again?” He answered, “Give thanks! The Power of Thanksgiving cannot be undermined. It is effortlessly so powerful.” At that moment, I began thanking the Lord for all that He has done for me and most importantly I knew the Lord wanted me to also give thanks and praise Him especially for all the things that I have been praying for. I began to thank the Lord for my family and for His divine protection. I thank the LORD for my beautiful caring friends, connect groups and church. I thank the Lord for His provision, for loving me and always there for me to keep me blessed, etc. Then I began to speak by faith and gave thanks for what I want to see happen in my life, my family, directors and friends’ life, also my ministry, career, relationship, etc. Then I felt a release and burden lifted off me and I was filled with the joy of the Lord once again and strength came on me afresh. Then I understand what it means – “The joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10).”

1 Thessalonians 5
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

God’s will is not for us to do this and that for Him but His ultimate will for us is to see us happy and that pleases Him. As any kind-loving and wise parents would tell you, all they want to see in their children’s life is happiness. Not so much of success or material gains, but what they truly hope for is to see their children happy, healthy and whole. That’s all that matters. They enjoyed listening to their children’s giggles, laughter and the joy they share rather than the cries, tears and painful screams but still they want to be the first person(s) there to comfort, provide, care and liberate their children from pain. That is our Heavenly Father’s heart. All He wants is to share in our joy as well to lift us up when we are down and defeated (Isaiah 41:10). He is always there to help us in times of trouble. He wants to bring us higher and make us stronger each time adversity strikes to show us that we are overcomers and He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Do you recognise the power that is at work within you (Ephesians 3:20)? Do you know what you’re capable of with God by your side? Who can be against you (Romans 8:31)?

From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him (Proverbs 12:4). The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21). So what are you speaking? What are you declaring over yourself and over your future? You will be satisfied by the fruits of your lips. Choose to speak life and you’ll see your miracles. Give thanks to God especially for the things you are believing Him for as this is faith in action and it pleases Him. It brings joy to your soul and in the process brings you closer to God and your answered prayer and He who is more than able will make all things beautiful for you in His time.

Isaiah 49:15, 16 & 23b
"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; ...Then you will know I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed."

Choose happiness now and give Him all the praise!