The Fear of Happiness

“If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God!”
‭‭James (Jacob)‬ ‭1:12‬ ‭TPT‬‬
https://www.bible.com/1849/jas.1.12.tpt

Life is going great! Not a care in the world! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!! Opportunity is right around the corner! I am so happy! The sky is blue and the possibilities are endless!! I couldn’t be better!! Blessed and highly favored! Excited for the future!!

But are you really?

Are some of those statements lies?

What is happiness? Is it a destination or a state of mind? Is it fact or fiction? Can anyone ever be truly happy? I mean, you might FEEL happy but are you REALLY happy?

The dictionary defines happiness as:

hap·pi·ness

1. the state of being happy.

Happy is defined as:

hap·py

1. feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.

So, if we are in a state of happiness we should be displaying pleasure and contentment in our life. Hmmmm seems to me I could pop in a few scriptures here but the one which immediately came to mind was Philippians 4:11

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/php.4.11.niv

Content. (In state of peaceful happiness) Peace. (Freedom from disturbance). Happiness.

Where am I going with all of this? I have developed a fear of being in a state of happiness. Many times in my life I have arrived at being content only to have the rug pulled right out from beneath me. After being married to an addict for 18 years, I lived the single life. Free to make my own choices. Going my own way. Seeking the Lord to a greater degree. Lovin’ life and livin’ in chaos. I was trying to be happy but lacked so much.

FINALLY I healed. I learned just how much God loved me and I found contentment even though things were not quite on track. Then a second marriage came. I was hesitant. I questioned everything. I wanted to make sure it was God. But soon after I had uttered the words, “I am happier than I ever been!”, my husband came home and said he was divorcing me.

I think I went through all five stages of grief in like ten minutes. I was shocked. I screamed. I cried. I denied. I bargained. I hoped. I prayed. I cried some more. I asked questions.

What am I going to do?

How does someone do this to another person?

Who is going to finish the house?

When will I be happy again?

THANK goodness I learned to lean on the greatness of God! PRAISE be I learned to forgive! As I accept my current circumstances I must thank God for every bump, bruise and punch to my heart because this is where contentment is obtained.

As I sit here in this still gutted-out unfinished home I am content. God has not forgotten me. He still loves me. His word says He WILL supply ALL of my needs. He tells me not to fear. He is right here in the midst of who I am and knows exactly what I need.

I am at the brink of a state of happiness. Is there hesitation? You bet! Is there questioning going on? Yup! But I, being a child of the Most High God must stare fear right in the face and tell it to go. Nothing will ever change in my life if I never capture the boldness of who I am in Christ. I am not defeated. Fear does not have a hold on me. I know who my Daddy is and He is bigger than my itty bitty fear of happiness.

As the days ahead of me unfold, I shall find contentment in them. I will just keep taking steps until the beauty of happiness is the state in which I live. The smile on my face will be genuine. The pep in my step will be real. And in the core of who I am I will trust the Lord has great plans of prosperity for me.

How do you conquer fear? By owning and apply what the Word of God says about you. No matter how many failed marriages or relationships: you are loved. No matter how many times you have been left behind or forgotten about by people: you are cherished. No matter how many times you have gone your own way and lost sight of God: you are accepted.

This my friend is where contentment resides. In the perfect love of God.