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RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/11/2008 3:01:18 PM
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bob97
Posts: 1800
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From: Kansas
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Jackie...you don't belong to Satan do you? Don't you belong to God and don't you march to His drum beat? If you do...He will provide for you and tend to your wounds. There is just no reason to not be joyful when you belong to God. 
Bob
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The LORD clears the road for me!
The LORD is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer!
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RE: Happiness - 7/11/2008 3:37:22 PM
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rcjames
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quote:
ORIGINAL: StephK
There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is fleeting and based on circumstances. Peace and joy are being able to face life with the knowledge that whatever happens God is in control. When people start realizing their position in Christ and focus on the kingdom of God they are happy and content regardless of their circumstances. It comes down to renewing the mind, holding every thought captive to Christ and literally changing the way you think.
I am not challenging your position, just saying that it is a little too philosophical for this ole country boy.
I am a happy camper, happy when everthing is going well, happy when everything turns to crud. I trust the word that whether I abase or abound that I can do all things through Christ Jesus; that is why a am a happy person.
And I do not see how a Christian cannot be happy.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/11/2008 3:40:39 PM
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Abbreviated
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Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Kansas
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...life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness.
Maybe we aren't pursuing it.
Being in debt & trying to keep up with the Jones' will sap the joy right out.
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Jackie
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RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/11/2008 4:13:02 PM
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Abbreviated
Posts: 2162
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Kansas
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quote:
ORIGINAL: bob97
From my experience…if you’re a Christian and you are unhappy or suffering, you have a problem in your relationship with God. You’re not walking the walk or you’re not depending on God as a solution to your troubles. God wants you to love Him and completely turn your problems over to him…trusting totally in Him. Don’t try to be self sufficient, thinking you’re in charge of things.
Bob
Suffering could be the end product of consequences. We are forgiven, but the consequences still have to be faced.
I disagree that suffering can be a problem in our relationship with God. What about martyrs who suffer & even die for their faith ?
Maybe a more specific definition of suffering is needed here.
_____________________________
Buried In Legos...
Bologna Donuts
Jackie
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RE: Happiness - 7/11/2008 4:19:24 PM
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StephK
Posts: 1985
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From: Southwest Louisiana
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rcjames
quote:
ORIGINAL: StephK
There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is fleeting and based on circumstances. Peace and joy are being able to face life with the knowledge that whatever happens God is in control. When people start realizing their position in Christ and focus on the kingdom of God they are happy and content regardless of their circumstances. It comes down to renewing the mind, holding every thought captive to Christ and literally changing the way you think.
I am not challenging your position, just saying that it is a little too philosophical for this ole country boy.
I am a happy camper, happy when everthing is going well, happy when everything turns to crud. I trust the word that whether I abase or abound that I can do all things through Christ Jesus; that is why a am a happy person.
And I do not see how a Christian cannot be happy.
Thanks
RC
I've had a lifelong battle with depression caused by physical issues so there are times when I have not "felt happy" due to their physical health and fluctuating brain chemistry. I have learned over the years that despite not feeling happy all the time that I do have a deep and abiding joy that nothing can quench.
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Stephanie
Communism "IS" socialism....
"How do you tell a Socialist:- It's someone who reads Marx and Lenin. And how do you tell an Anti-Socialist someone who understands Marx and Lenin" -Ronald Reagan
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RE: Happiness - 7/11/2008 4:22:09 PM
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rcjames
Posts: 5257
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From: Oklahoma
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quote:
ORIGINAL: StephK
I've had a lifelong battle with depression caused by physical issues so there are times when I have not "felt happy" due to their physical health and fluctuating brain chemistry. I have learned over the years that despite not feeling happy all the time that I do have a deep and abiding joy that nothing can quench.
Praise God, for you could, as many othere do, feel sorry for yourself and be miserable.
Thansk
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/11/2008 4:25:36 PM
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contentment16
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quote:
ORIGINAL: bob97
Psalm 16:11: You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. When Peter quotes this verse in the New Testament it goes this way: Acts 2:28 ‘YOU HAVE MADE KNOWN TO ME THE WAYS OF LIFE; YOU WILL MAKE ME FULL OF GLADNESS WITH YOUR PRESENCE.’
Bob
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RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/11/2008 4:49:54 PM
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Abbreviated
Posts: 2162
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From: Kansas
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Abbreviated
quote:
ORIGINAL: contentment16
You know I wonder why more Christians aren't happier/at peace?
Cause Satan is the Prince here & this earth is NOT my home, but a temporary dwelling place with a temporary tent.
quote:
Why are we allowing the devil and our flesh to kill our joy?
Answered the first ?. Now for the second.
Depression, debt, consequences of sin, mean girls, ingratitude, physical pain...
_____________________________
Buried In Legos...
Bologna Donuts
Jackie
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RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/11/2008 5:01:54 PM
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PrexicKehdaki
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I'm not big on advocating Christianity or religion but, statistically, religion DOES make people more happy than people without religion. If anyone doesn't believe me, I'll dig up some links for you. Though, it's a been a while since I read up on it.. maybe there's new data or better studies.
However, the difference isn't much and it isn't guaranteed. There are happy atheists and sad theists (that's pretty obvious).
I think there are factors of Christianity that contribute to both sadness, stress, etc.. and happiness, joy, etc.
If you're easily tempted.. it may be hard for you to resist sex before marriage, drugs, and all that other fun stuff that I do all the time as an atheist. ;-) (kidding, I don't) (oh and, kidding they're not fun! >.>)
I suppose that may cause some stress or difficulties.
Then on the other hand, Christianity can give you a lot of comfort being a part of something so important to you AND others that you live with. It can also be reassuring, if say.. you're unattractive, to know that it's not very important in comparison to your relationship with God and Jesus. (atheists can reach the same conclusion, but they have one less pathway to do so) Christianity can also give people hope in horrible situations. I was watching TV earlier this morning and I saw the story of the contractors that were held hostage by terrorists for 5 years. One of them stated they believe in God and when he saw a beautiful rainbow, he took it as a sign from God that he would make it out alive.
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RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/11/2008 5:08:31 PM
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contentment16
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I don' agree with your answer Abreviated. Satan has no authority over us. Once he realizes that you know that it helps quite a bit. He will still continue to tempt you though in other ways.
I think conquering your flesh is just as problematic and battling Satan.
I truly think Psalm 16 answers this quandary best. I know that when I am so in love with Jesus reading my scriptures and etc. that my circumstances don't rob me of my joy. This thread reminded me of when I was able to attain that peace best. And believe me my circumstances were bleak in a lot of areas. But, truly the Joy of the Lord was my strength.
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RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/11/2008 11:53:47 PM
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bob97
Posts: 1800
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From: Kansas
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quote:
I disagree that suffering can be a problem in our relationship with God. What about martyrs who suffer & even die for their faith ?
Jackie...
Don’t misunderstand me…I didn’t say we would not have tribulation and of course we are all dying in this life. Some with more difficulty than others.
My point is if we are secure in our walk with the Father, He will grant us peace even in the midst of our worst problems. He will grant us the strength to withstand whatever we must face. We have joy in knowing that we belong to the LORD, He is always with us and the worst thing that can happen to us is we die and go to be with God our Father. What is death? It has no effect on those who belong to Christ.
Can you image going through great tribulation without God giving us comfort? We have a choice...we can live a life of chaos or a life of peace and order, which do you desire?
Bob
_____________________________
The LORD clears the road for me!
The LORD is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer!
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RE: Happiness - 7/12/2008 12:08:36 AM
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DenimDiva
Posts: 6330
Joined: 9/28/2007
From: CA
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quote:
ORIGINAL: seagullplayer
We can't always be jump up and down "happy", but we should always have the "joy" of the Lord in our heart..
And therein lies the difference. There is a difference between happiness and joy.
I've known some very happy people who didn't have joy. I've known some very joyous people who had joy even when they didn't have happiness.
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RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/12/2008 1:01:47 AM
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bob97
Posts: 1800
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From: Kansas
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Col 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
joyfulness......khar-ah'
From G5463; cheerfulness, that is, calm delight: - gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy (-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous).
Bob
_____________________________
The LORD clears the road for me!
The LORD is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer!
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RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/12/2008 12:59:24 PM
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Butterflytearz
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24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Its hard to be happy all the time in a world of sin,, but we can be very joyful that Christ is our Lord and Savior in that tho in this world we have much tribulation yet can still be of GOOD CHEER because Christ has overcome the world.
I don't think we can know true happiness until Satan and Death is cast into hell forever gone and we are in the Presence of the Lord.
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RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/12/2008 6:51:18 PM
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Bridgitt
Posts: 237
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The closer a christian is to God, the happier he/she is.
That is why God created us: to have a close relationship with Him. If only we would let Him have His way with us!
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RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/12/2008 10:54:17 PM
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brothertodd
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I myself am unhappy, but I am at peace. I cant say how other fellow brothers and sister are feeling. But as for the unhappiness, Its hard not to. We live in a world that is continually growing hostile Towards Christianity. Even the Church. Many teach entertainig feel good messages,avoiding truth and salvation. Health, wealth, prosperity over redemption and forgiveness. Issues that divide the Church and their selfrighteousness has made them hostile toward each other. This is not what Christ taught us, to love our brothers not condem, to pray for our enemy. He died on the cross for that peace, that we may learn from Him, to join Him in the kingdom.
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Brother Todd, servant of Christ
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RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/14/2008 12:58:08 AM
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G0dIsHeRe
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Joined: 7/14/2008
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I've truly wondered the same thing. What I see is that those who are firm in faith, prayer, intimacy with God, and the Scriptures, have grown throughout this dry spell in the last 5 or so years.
However, I am aiming at the long term now:
"He who gains an inheritence quickly at the first, will not be blessed in the end."
I do not trust anyone since so few peoples' lives actually reflect a holy God - and even fewer of those peoples' words actually match the Bible's. I may take a while, but when I am done setting up my ramparts, the enemy will die on the other side of that wall; my only concern is being one of those people who turn souls to righteousness Prov 11:30; Dan. 12:3; Matt 25:1-13, and the only way to do that is make a real good foundation. I fear for my salvation, since I know the days are coming when everything that is not built on the true foundation will be swept away - by deception first; then by the wrath of God on the ones who did not make proper provisions ahead of time.
I have settled the issue - I acknowledge that it was only by the grace of my God - that my life purpose is to fulfill Scripture in being one who leads many to righteousness, so that I will have a part in the book of life. God bless you, sister. I pray that God will bring rest to your soul and that you would know and accept the necessity of accepting His love for you.
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RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/14/2008 1:28:02 AM
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beachcooky
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I don't know. But I know I'm not. I have a lot of anger inside of me. Soooo yeah. But it's allll good :)
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RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/14/2008 10:39:32 AM
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rcjames
Posts: 5257
Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
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quote:
ORIGINAL: beachcooky
I don't know. But I know I'm not. I have a lot of anger inside of me. Soooo yeah. But it's allll good :)
Christ came to;
Luk 4:18) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised ,(Luk 4:19) To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
So may I suggest you recieve that work in your life and seek;
Gal 5:22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,(Gal 5:23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
If one is walking after the Spirit there will be no more room for "A lot of anger".
(Rom 8:1) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Thsnks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/14/2008 1:13:02 PM
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draexo
Posts: 561
Joined: 1/26/2007
From: Saratoga County, New York
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rcjames
quote:
ORIGINAL: beachcooky
I don't know. But I know I'm not. I have a lot of anger inside of me. Soooo yeah. But it's allll good :)
Christ came to;
Luk 4:18) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised ,(Luk 4:19) To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
So may I suggest you recieve that work in your life and seek;
Gal 5:22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,(Gal 5:23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
If one is walking after the Spirit there will be no more room for "A lot of anger".
(Rom 8:1) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Thsnks
RC
Well said RC. I like the NIV better.
Luke 4
16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."[e]
20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
Two things - "to release the oprressed" and "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing".
Jesus's yoke is easy and his burden is light. You just need to get there. Redefine your happiness a little.
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The truth will set you free!
TRUTH
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