Problems Lead To Happiness?
Problems can lead to happiness if we turn to the Lord for guidance.
The Bible teaches us that we should consider problems with joy because our faith will be tested. A tested faith is not easily rattled thus giving us the ability to weather any storm with trust and confidence.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”(James 1:2-4)
God is our provider and until we face trials we will never understand that He is the source of all joy and strength.
C.S. Lewis writes in The Problem Of Pain:
Now God, who has made us, knows what we are and that our happiness lies in Him. Yet we will not seek it in Him as long as He leaves us any other resort where it can even plausibly be looked for. While what we call “our own life” remains agreeable we will not surrender it to Him. What then can God do in our interests but make “our own life” less agreeable to us, and take away the plausible sources of false happiness?
Examples Found In Nature
The Lord gives us simplistic examples in nature of what happens when harsh conditions (trials) come. For example, I have a rosemary plant that I keep outside in the spring, summer and fall. It’s a culinary herb that I use to season different dishes.
During the winter months, I bring the plant inside so that it won’t die. I recently noticed this winter, that the new growth was really whimpy – the leaves were flimsy and it’s not as robust in smell either. Actually, it really doesn’t resemble rosemary at all and it’s not useful to me anymore.
When this plant was outside enduring wind, rain, hail and extremes of temperatures, it stayed robust, grew strong, and could be used to season food- it fulfilled it’s purpose. Yet when I brought it inside and it was coddled by the constant warm temperatures and lack of harsh winds, it became whimpy and unuseful. I’m sure the plant was happier inside, but I was happier when it was outside becoming strong, robust and useful.
In much the same way, we can be useful to the Lord if we don’t live a coddled life. Harsh conditions for instance, can help us relate to the pain of others. In effect, our pain can become a gift to another if -after we get through the rough season-we step outside of ourselves and look for ways to help others. Giving of ourselves brings true happiness, something that we don’t receive by self interest.
“Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Pillippians 2:4).
“Give and it will be given to you, a good measure, pressed down, shaken together will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38 NIV)
So when trials come and we are thrust out of our comfort zone, we can use this time to search out the help of our Lord. This searching can lead to a lifetime of assurance that the Lord is always available to help, comfort and assist us. By listening to His guiding voice we will be aligned with a life path that will end in contentment, power to overcome everything and joy.
Food For Thought,
Lisa
