Don't Worry, Be Happy!

My mom listens to Rush Limbaugh all the time. I personally really hate talk radio shows, whether they are morning shows, Rush, and in fact I even hate commercials, that's why I usually listen to CD's in my car. But anyway, my mom was just listening to Rush, well actually the random guy filling in for Rush, and I heard something pretty atsonishing, which leads me to writing this post.
-taye


Happiness

America is the least happy country in the entire world.

Think about that statement for a moment, and think about all the countries that are out there. America is the most unhappy out of ALL of them. China is the happiest country in the world. Now think about the church in all the countries in the world. Now, think about the church in China and the church in America. The Chinese church is one of the most persecuted churches in the world, and yet it is also one of the fastest growing. The church in America seems to have lost its way. We put so much emphasis on the "show" of a worship service and on who is speaking, rather than the words being sung and what is being spoken. The Chinese are happily suffering for the gospel, while Americans are emptily praising something we have created for ourselves. What does God say about happiness?

"Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy." {Jude 1:24}

God is the only thing that can bring true happiness

". . .though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory." {1 Peter 1:8}

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds." {James 1:2}

Joy in trials?? That sounds familiar. Perhaps the Chinese have been reading a lot of James lately.

"For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love. . ." {Philemon 1:7}

Love in America is so messed up in society today. 50% of all marriages in America end in divorce.

"As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy." {2 Timothy 1:4}

Encouragement through fellowship. That is a rare thing to be seen in America today, where our schools are filled with cliques and bullies, and everyone acts friendly toward their coworkers and boss in order to get ahead and get a promotion. How many people actually genuinely care about one another and put others' needs above their own?

"For you are our glory and joy." {1 Thessalonians 2:20}

God is our joy and our happiness.