Christian joy is a barometer of your spiritual life. Unhappy, even depressed Christians are surprisingly common. God gives the strength we need; he must work within us. Were adopted, but not yet living with our Abba Father. The Bible doesn't whitewash our experience of suffering by saying that it's all of one stripe. Repent of your sin (Luke 13:3). This problem is made worse by the fact that we think that if we had the right job, house, talent, or spouse, wed be happy and content. This is a miracle! You dont like the music, the liturgy, the way people dress, or the leadership style. Wait a moment and try again. Hope your injured shoulder is not giving you any trouble. Now listen to someone who did not think that life was about a constant search for something different or for more of what this life offers: I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. How Can I Love Church Members with Different Politics. You can get an objective third party such as a Marriage counselor to help. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:1011). If gas levels rise, the canaries stop singing, wobble on their perch, and eventually fall to the floor of the cage. (Note that the always in this verse is applied to rejoicing, not being sorrowful.). This is true for all who live in a fallen world. Is something still missing in my life? It wasnt only an unhappy Heaven that Miss Watson projected. The first is one of a dogmatic naturenamely, that you must believe in God and immortality. Gods word teaches us to be content with what we have (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Joy is not being happy because life is going my way. He writes: We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. You might be a blue-collar guy at a white-collar church, or a racial minority in a church where few understand your experience. Is God Punishing You for Something You Did? So how do unhappy, depressed Christians experience the joy of the Lord, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, and the wonder of Jesus? For example, the world says that to be content you need to get out of a bad situation. I dont knowand thats why I am not a happy Christian when I think of those two verses. Maybe we want a great marriage, but we don't have it, so we're unhappy. B.C. You will feel the joy of the Lord if you keep your heart and spirit open to the Holy Spirit no, you missed the mark of this one. Here are four tips to get your kids to play outside. We are here to serve everyone without cost, so please do not feel pressured to give! Finally, some have personal problems with the church. But if youve found our resources to be helpful, we invite you to consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help fund our eternity-shaping work. . I am so thankful. I recommend further study of the brain and studies done with rats/mice that can induce a joyless state simply by tweaking certain hormones/neurotransmitters. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. Jesus said, Freely you have received, freely give (Matt. Jealousy sounds like: "Why aren't you always doing something great?" "I wish that was happening for me." God Himself satisfies us (Psalm 90:14; 103:2-5; 107:9). For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. by David Gunderson. But before you can truly, deeply know and feel the joy of the Lord you have to commit to learning who He is. Because theyre disappointed when God doesnt give them what they want. Sometimes yes, sometimes not yet, and sometimes, no. What is hindering me to be a happy Christian? I believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. George Mller was an evangelist and orphanage director in Bristol, England. Happy versus joyful Christians You're a Christian, So Why Aren't You Happy? I hope youre well, and that youre enjoying the beginning of summer (its hot and sunny here in Vancouver). They didnt trust Gods timing because they were confused and scared. Exodus 33:17 says, The Lord answered Moses, I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name. God first said He would not accompany the Israelites to the Promised Land because He was so angry (and hurt, and betrayed, and grieved) that they had so little faith. I find it hard to think of myself as "blessed" when they get my order right at Starbucks. If youre an unhappy Christian, make time to read the Old Testament and learn who God is. But, I think it is harder living a miserable lifeand it especially harder living a miserable eternity. In this four-part series, Elisabeth Corcoran attempts to provide answers from the inside of the unraveling. A methane explosion took the lives of 12 men in the 2006 Sago mine disaster in West Virginia. Sometimes these transitions are personalyoure stepping away from a ministry or moving to a new city or searching for a new church. The world says that contentment comes by getting what you want in this world. . I too "had Christ." I'll tell you some things I realized though. Because, you know, cancer only hits unhappy people. This fact alone should make us happy Christians, feeling the joy of the Lord because Ruach constantly reveals the beauty of Jesus Christ in the world. Other Christians find church difficult for intellectual reasons. And the contented heart brings glory to God. One explanation for our cheerlessness is simple: many of God's people don't believe that the Christ we serve is cheerful. why do some christians not have the peace of God , why do some christians feel unhappy ? The unaware person sees this frustration as grounds for despair and he may live his life trying to quiet his groaning through sex, relationships, money, work, or any kind of pleasure. Crossway is a not-for-profit Christian ministry that exists solely for JavaScript is disabled. I pray for love and meaning to fill your life, and for His Presence to lift you higher and take you farther than you ever imagined! The church moves locations. Learn to want what you have and you wont be so concerned about what you dont have. We dont know how God related to His people in the Old Testament, and how deeply He loves us. But I will not go up with you because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way. When the people heard this bad news, they mourned and didnt put on their jewelry. Exodus 33:1-4. Have fun and enjoy you mothers-in-law birthday. Working harder, doing better, serving longer, wont take the edge off our sorrow. Both men and women experience hormonal changes that can have you feeling like it's "Opposite Day" with different mood, stress, appetite,. Some people are comfortable being unhappy because they dont want to go through the pain of changing. Learn more or donate today at. How to Survive Abuse When Youre Stuck at Home. Treat your body like it deserves to be happy. Access-restricted-item true Addeddate 2010-05-17 17:19:48 Bookplateleaf 0002 Boxid IA110701 Camera Canon 5D Donor alibris External-identifier Maybe, maybe, maybe. Youd love for your church to line up with your convictions, but you dont want to be divisive. Jesus is the one who conquered sin and death by being absolutely God in the flesh. (I address this in my book, on the topic of happiness, and see Randys. It was an unhappy present life, full of obligation and self-inflicted misery. Privacy Policy. 2011 12 Nov. Christians aren't happier than non-Christians. It's like a rocking chair moving feverishly, but going nowhere. Look up, and return Gods gaze. There are more helpful that you can know. The light of Jesuss face shines in the darkest night. Now it has spread out with a lot of new homes and developments. I DID NOT POST, NOR IN ANY WAY SAID, THERE IS *NO* HAPPINESS IN FOLLOWING CHRIST. The key to happiness is not what people expect; in fact, it is the opposite of what most people expect. Regardless, Psalm 133:1 is far from your experience: Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!. I asked her if she reckoned Tom Sawyer would go there, and she said not by a considerable sight. What If I Don't Feel Like Going to Church? Dont confuse this unique joy with other upbeat feelings. I know that God can handle me and my honest attitude. So I will continue to have my bad days and I will probably not sugar coat them. Maybe we want to be with people we love, but we cant be for some reason, so were unhappy. God does want us to have true joy, and God also gave us the intelligence to discover medicine that can help us along the way if we need it. Working hard for Jesus even caring for thousands of orphans is a cold and empty duty if we have lost the warmth of our love for Christ. Afflictions will come. How can church elders engage relationally with their local fellowship and keep a watch out for church members who may be straying? And it wont go away until the day our redemption is complete. Yes, it's true that we have so much to be thankful for. When we realize that its natural to feel sad and dissatisfied and that we wont be happy all the time, we can allow our groaning to be a sign of hope for great things to come, and we can allow it to draw us closer to our Lord. Here are two ways. A young new pastor takes the helm. Twice in Philippians 4:11-13, Paul specifically says that he has learned to be content. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Joy is a glorious gladness and deep delight in the person of Jesus Christ. Fatima Mohammed, a law student, is accused of demonizing Israel. Lack of interest in doing what you typically enjoy. God appeared to have changed His mind in Exodus 33; He said He would go with the Israelites to the Promised Land after all. satan is about pain, suffering, sadness, depression, anger. that says the King resides in us today.". Coal miners know that if the canary is not singing, there is trouble on the way. The second thing I realized is that even Christians have problems. He created me after all, He knew I was going to be a handful. Personal problems, social problems, money problems, etc. Well be in Edmonton in less than a month, for my mother-in-laws 80th birthday! Start doing things Gods way. I get that, but just stick with me. Remember, he is a prisoner as he writes this letter. HAPPINESS IS NOT LISTED. There are elementary age children right now, who are taking care of not only their siblings but quite possibly their parents as well. Do you know people who are unhappy? Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends. I am not happy, although I'm a Christian and I know having God is the most important thing and it's what keeps me going. Find ways to expand your world view. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. One key sign of spiritual danger is losing your joy. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Yet, in spite of his circumstances, he has joy, and he exhorts the Philippians to rejoice. Its a sign to us that we were made for heaven, for eternity with God. That doesnt mean we back away from clearly sharing Gods revealed words, but it does mean that we do it with a spirit of grace and truth, seeking to be like Jesus (John 1:14). I challenge you to challenge yourself in some way, big or small. Thank you for sharing your heart here! He wants far more for you than to be a happy Christian. You sound like me, when I was in my 20s. When you live to please Him and do His will (2 Corinthians 5:9), then you will experience true happiness and joy. You will feel the joy of the Lord if you keep your heart and spirit open to the Holy Spirit. Why is it Important Not to Treat Sexual Intimacy Casually. The Holy Spirit comforts us, but until were fully redeemed, we live with an inner hunger thats not completely satisfied. I will not do this. On one hand, he. We may not always be fully aware of how deeply we long for this, but we too anticipate being with our Father. Ok, you rolled up your sleeves, put your game face, and work hard. Why do the voices of despair sound so much louder than yours?" We hope the content we have created on this page will help you find hope and the help you need. Methane explodes. Allison Stevens Christian life, Personal Struggles depression, grief, happiness, Joy, personal struggles, sorrow, spiritual insecurity Why am I having such a hard time being happy when, as a follower of Christ, I've got so much to be thankful for? This sense of disconnection may be the result of: Hormones. Forgiveness, love, childlike faith, joy, grace, miracles, healingJesus is just amazing. I would guess with the new developments, there is a high school now. In fact, Christians who believe God will answer their prayers the way they want are even unhappier than unbelievers! I was only successfully diagnosed with and treated for bipolar disorder once I was OUT of an evangelical environment that insisted my depression was a spiritual attack from satan. As a spiritual barometer, joy is not a slave to circumstances. Its natural to feel unhappy from time to time. It drives me insane to listen to hour after hour of worship and praise music. get some bad fires too. Joy protects you from serving God for the wrong reasons. For many moms, hauling young children to church can be chaotic and exhausting, and arguing with older kids each week can leave you feeling like a hostage negotiator. 1991 - 2023 Eternal Perspective MinistriesAll Rights Reserved. [2]I wonder if anyone told Clemens that the God he saw as so stern and humorless was, yes, a holy God, but he was also a happy God who invented playfulness, fun, laughter, and whitewashand was the source of Twains wit and humor. If you lose your joy, that could be a sign that your work for the Lord is no longer worship. Can we truly say that when sorrowful, we still rejoice; that when poor, we are content to make many rich; that even when having nothings, we still possess all things? These are but streams, but God is the ocean. I have delt with this as well. Required fields are marked *. Amen, amen, and amen. People who are "happy" because of Christ are content with what they have -- because they know having Christ's peace and joy is enough to fill us up. Play Video. Not trying to step on anyone's toes. But in the early days of coal mining, they found an effective, low-tech solution: They brought canaries into the mines. "The Lord spoke to Moses: "Go up from here, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt, to the land I promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying: I will give it to your offspring. 1. Thats contentment! For example, I feel temporarily happy when I savor fresh ripe mango, a big bowl of hot salty popcorn, or even a soft boiled egg on a rice cake with ketchup and sauerkraut (my favorite breakfast!). This blog post is part of my She Blossoms Through the Bible project; Im writing an article for every chapter in every book of Scripture. Most people associate the word catholic with the Roman Catholic Church. I have never felt any happiness or joy in God or Jesus. That's it for me! I'm not possessed, I'm free. After all, dying to self is hard. I know there is something deep and meaningful there, but I havent taken the time to research what face to face means in verse 11 and what my face means in verse 19. Still I wait, and hope. Joy keeps you safe from serving as a religious duty. About me. But it is important to recognize that when Paul says all things, he doesnt mean that God gives you the ability to do whatever you want, even good things that you desire to do. Joy refers to a state of gladness that typically occurs in Scripture with the recognition that God is in control no matter where we find ourselves. There are children right now who have no idea if there will be dinner on the table when they get home from school. Physical Reasons Some Christians struggle to attend church for physical reasons like exhaustion, illness, disease, or chronic pain. I cant come through the page, diagnose your problem, and guarantee an easy solution. . We just havent trained our eyes to see Him. Podcast: What If I Dont Feel Like Going to Church? We arent worried, as God has faithfully provided for our ministry for 33 years. What If I'm Discouraged in My Evangelism? Not only must contentment be learned, but learning contentment is contrary to our normal (and sinful) ways of thinking. It is only when you stop thinking about your happiness and your own satisfaction that you can truly experience happiness. You need to stop focusing on how to be a happy Christian and keep your eyes fixed on God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. While growth in holiness does require effort and struggle on our part, ultimately we grow because of the power of God at work through his Holy Spirit within us. Still, somewhere deep inside, is a nagging gloom and we wonder if our faith is weak because we arent happier with our lives. This is probably true of almost every unhappy person. But he finds that there is nothing here on this earth that can reach down far enough into his soul and fulfill him. No accidents or imperfections which may happen ought to have power to trouble them, or to hinder their looking upward. [4]. My bones dont like the steel plate and eight screws, so I decided to take my surgeon up on his offer to remove them. This frustration, though, shouldnt alarm us. In the same way, we have not truly learned contentment when we are content in some circumstances but not in others. I grew up in what would definitely not be considered a "typical" Christian home. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies(Romans 8:22-23). If youre unhappy, maybe you need to ask yourself, Have I caused this situation? If your unhappiness has been caused by your own sin, then own it. Am I willing to do whats necessary to be happy? If so, I would encourage you to read Matthew 5:2-12, and replace the word, blessed with happy. Thats really what blessed means, to be happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. . God is saying, in essence, Be as I am. Paralleling Be holy, because I am holy (1 Peter 1:16, NIV), the answer to the question Why should Gods children be happy? is Because our Father is happy.. If you can discern the reason behind your reluctance, the path forward becomes clearer. Its the person who is oblivious to this alienation in nature and within us, this endless cycle of decay, who is in greater danger than the one whos painfully aware of this separation from God. The good news is that in the midst of your current struggles contentment can be yours. I have been a Christian for over 43 years. Start praising God for all you have and it wont be long before youre not unhappy anymore. Jackie. "I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them have never happened." - Mark Twain Worry creates inner turmoil. Happy people die to themselves and live for Christ (Galatians 2:20). The contented Christian recognizes both the inevitability and the importance of afflictions. [1] Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (New York: Fawcett Columbine, 1996), 6. [1]. I'm a Christian, So Why Am I Unhappy? Jesus says it is my joy . Look, I'm not saying that's more noble; I'm just saying it's gentler on the ego. I have seen a little boy be petrified at the sight of a police officer because his only experience with the police was watching his dad get arrested multiple times. Paul is content in every possible situation that he faces in lifein every circumstance, in great abundance, and in great need. Its also mixed with anticipation. Whether or not God actually changed His mind is not as important as the fact that He wants us Christian believers today to see who He is and how He relates to His people. Stop making the same choices that brought you to this point.
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