Complete Happiness

I turned the radio on this evening halfway through a comedy programme.  The first sketch I heard was about a man who had phoned the helpline of a toaster he had just purchased.

He explained how the toaster had come with instructions stating: If you are not completely happy with this product, please phone us.

He was happy enough with the toaster, but he wasn't 'completely happy' with his life and wanted to talk about it.

The man wondered whether or not 'complete happiness' was ever attainable.  And if it was attainable through the purchase of products.  He described the process of buying a new gadget and 'fooling yourself into the belief' that another object will bring fulfilment.  Only to find yourself, hours later, surrounded by cardboard and cellophane and wondering why you don't feel satisfied.

Is complete happiness ever attainable?

Isn't that something we all ask?

Is complete happiness ever attainable?

And, if it is, how do I get it?

I don't think that complete happiness, as an unalterable, permanent state, is achievable.  Because happiness is dependent on our circumstances.  It is something that changes based on our situations, our finances, our relationships; it alters with our jobs, our friendships, even our energy levels.  Happiness is temporal and changing.  It is fickle.

But I do think that complete joy is attainable.  Joy as a permanent, deep-rooted thing, which is based on the truth of who we are in God.  When we know who we are, we stop seeking for fulfilment and completeness and happiness in other things.

 

Jesus said,

"I have told you this [given you my teachings] so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."

[John 15:11 NIV, emphasis mine]

Your joy may be complete.

 

Paul knew what this looked like, he had a joy which surpassed circumstances:

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want [because] I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

[Philippians 4:11-13 NIV]

 

Complete happiness may not be possible, but complete joy is.