In every season of life, we say, either silently whispering to ourselves or in utter desperation to others: ‘I just want to be happy.’
If we’re honest, we all long for happiness. Happiness that rises above the temporal circumstances in which we find ourselves. Happiness that sores above the dark clouds of suffering and pain. As the world seemingly advances, cries for joy grow louder. The vast majority of those seeking ultimate happiness end up only manufacturing utter misery in the end. Real and meaningful joy seems elusive and impossible to obtain with any substantial measure of satisfaction.
It can be ours
Happiness is not an unattainable abstract. With the opening words of Matthew 5, Jesus unveils lasting happiness with eight simple statements that we know as the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3–12). The word ‘beatitude’ is from the Latin word beatus, meaning ‘happy’ or ‘blessed.’ Lest we think Jesus is pointing to a carefree slap-happy life free from all cares, the blessing Jesus is referring to isn’t free from the shackles of sorrowful circumstances, but rises above such turmoil to reveal ravishing joy. Jesus refers to the deep inner joy that resides within the heart of every Christian believer when new life-giving grace dawns in the darkness of a stony heart.
