|
Users viewing this topic:
none
|
|
Login  | |
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 1:38:54 PM
|
|
|
p31woman
Posts: 673
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Texas, and now South Dakota
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: DaveW
What about the brother who rebuked me for singing a happy song almost 40 years ago? I replied that the "Joy of the Lord is our strength." He responded it is HIS joy, not ours; and had I not read in the bible that it is "better to mourn than rejoice?"
I am still trying to find that verse........
I don't think he suffered from a lack of faith. He was a strong believer, loved the Lord with all he had.
I've heard that, too. I think it's extrapolated from Ecc. 7:2-4--
It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
3Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
4The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
_____________________________
So don't let anyone pass judgment on you in connection with eating and drinking, or in regard to a Jewish festival or Rosh-Hodesh or Shabbat. These are a shadow of things that are coming, but the body is of the Messiah. Colossians 2:16-17
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 1:46:27 PM
|
|
|
GroupW
Posts: 2001
Joined: 11/16/2007
Status: offline
|
There's truth in both sides. We probably should be better pictures of Christ's peace and joy. Then again, it's not about where we are, but how far we've come and where we're going.
We're probably far from where we need to be, but much further along than where we started.
If we started in the back of the pack, being somewhere almost close to the middle is progress, no?
_____________________________
“For every problem, there is a solution that is simple, elegant and wrong.” -H.L. Mencken
"Most people would rather die than think; in fact, they do so." -Bertrand Russell
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 1:50:04 PM
|
|
|
Clarity888
Posts: 19
Joined: 7/10/2008
Status: offline
|
Very well put!!
I agree... 
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 2:08:11 PM
|
|
|
contentment16
Posts: 39
Joined: 10/18/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: GroupW
quote:
ORIGINAL: Clarity888
*disclaimer, this is my opinion only*
Honestly, I believe its lack of Faith.
I don't know. Sometimes I think Christians are a bit more insecure, unhappy, worried etc than the rest of the population. Then I realize that Christ came to heal the sick rather than those that think they're healthy.
Maybe we're just that segment of the population that's recognized the need for Him most acutely. Maybe it's just to be expected? In some ways, maybe we're supposed to be the most in need?
As a body, I think we're predisposed to be the most confused ;)
sad about the confused thing. Maybe we are trying too hard. I know I can do that. I am completely rebuking that character trait within myself. You see, that may be apart of the lack of joy which I am moving hard towards changing!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 2:26:42 PM
|
|
|
bob97
Posts: 1774
Joined: 6/24/2006
From: Kansas
Status: offline
|
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.
We’ve have had quite a bit of ordeal in our lives (the wife and I) but it has caused us to totally depend upon the LORD and any problems we’ve experienced have been a blessing because of the lessons learned. God has allowed us to find peace in the eye of the storm and our lives have utterly changed because of it. I now know fully in my heart what God can do…not just in my mind.
Bob
_____________________________
The LORD clears the road for me!
The LORD is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 2:48:11 PM
|
|
|
seagullplayer
Posts: 127
Joined: 9/18/2007
Status: offline
|
Psa 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
Read it this morning and thought of this thread.
_____________________________
The world has only one problem, sin.
There is only one solution, Jesus.
THE WAY.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 3:08:30 PM
|
|
|
kernsfamily
Posts: 1222
Joined: 4/26/2006
From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: contentment16
You know I wonder why more Christians aren't happier/at peace? Why are we allowing the devil and our flesh to kill our joy?
Tell me about it.
I am always a pretty darn happy guy...that's just me. Very "easy going".
My in-laws, who are supposedly "strong Christians"....wow, they are some of the most miserable people to be around....
ALWAYS complaining about everything....the music in our church, when they visit, was "not to their liking"......they can't get "X" brand of mayonnaise at the store they go to.....they have no good restaurants in the area where they CHOSE to retire to.....too many people are moving into that area where they now live.....the people that live behind them are mowing/trimming their yard, and they take ALL MORNING to do it (which means they have to "put up" with that "noise").....the guy next door has a few "tiki torches" that are "too bright"....
believe me....i just spent a week up there (thankfully, alot of my time was spent trout fishing down on the river, instead of at the house hearing all this)....
one time, back in 2001, I was unexpectedly hospitalized for a fairly serious illness...so, my mother-in-law came down to help my wife with the kids....so, when her dad came down to get her, we took both of them out to a VERY VERY nice restaurant "on us", as a "thank you" for helping out so much.....what happened? that woman COMPLAINED about EVERYTHING.....right down to the soup that was on the menu (which she didn't even ORDER!).....i was SO mad at that, I couldn't see straight....it got to the point that I told her, "Then why don't you sell your company, so you can open your OWN restaurant, and then you can stop complaining about THIS one!!!!" (VERY rarely do i get that angry).......talk about being ungrateful to the people who are taking you out to dinner!!!!!!
my wife has even gotten "fed up" with their constant complaining...we call them "Grumpy Old People" (reference to the "grumpy old men" movies).......very sad.....I think they are people that are so "set in their ways", that NOTHING can ever be done better (or whatever), than the way they have done it for the past 30 years....and, so, when something IS done "differently" than they know, it is WRONG...plain and simple.....
When i hear Nat King Cole sing "When i grow to old to dream", i think of them.....I definitely don't want to be like them when I am in MY mid-60s, and seemingly have nothing to "look forward to"...no 'dreams'....and, be thinking that ALL of your best days are "in the past"....and there is NO WAY, that any of your "best days" may be ahead....ALWAYS talking about how "great" things USED TO BE, and, yet, always being negative about anything "in the present"......
As I mentioned, I am actually usually a very happy guy.....I LOVE the song that is sung at church, which perhaps some of y'all have heard: This joy I have....the world didn't give it, and the world can't take it away.......or something like that....speaks volumes to the JOY one has with Christ in your life.
The people in their church certainly are pretty miserable to be around too.....very "joyless".....primarily, as some people have mentioned already, because it's a pretty legalistic church.....hard to find joy in the shackles of legalism.....
can ya tell this is a subject I am "passionate" about?
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 3:15:53 PM
|
|
|
contentment16
Posts: 39
Joined: 10/18/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: seagullplayer
Psa 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
Read it this morning and thought of this thread.
I love these scriptural responses! That ties back into another respondent's thought that it was a lack of faith.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 3:45:58 PM
|
|
|
terryjohn
Posts: 392
Joined: 3/23/2007
Status: offline
|
There is little to rejoice about. And when you think about it we would be seen to be the worst sort of people, if we were happy while others weeped. Nevertheless, despite the desperate situation the world finds it self in, when we focus on Christ and the hope He brings, we are overjoyed and at peace. But to skip happilly through the misery of other peoples lives, would be insensitive and uncaring, hence, we weep with those who weep. And in the end we are really surprised by the joy we have in Christ for considering all that we face there should be no occassion for it at all. You could well ask why are Chirstians not sadder?
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 4:01:06 PM
|
|
|
kernsfamily
Posts: 1222
Joined: 4/26/2006
From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: terryjohn
There is little to rejoice about. And when you think about it we would be seen to be the worst sort of people, if we were happy while others weeped. Nevertheless, despite the desperate situation the world finds it self in, when we focus on Christ and the hope He brings, we are overjoyed and at peace. But to skip happilly through the misery of other peoples lives, would be insensitive and uncaring, hence, we weep with those who weep. And in the end we are really surprised by the joy we have in Christ for considering all that we face there should be no occassion for it at all. You could well ask why are Chirstians not sadder?
I far more often find situations in peoples lives, and in my OWN life, to REJOICE about....to THANK GOD for....as so many are blessed beyond comprehension....
though i could, if I was determined enough, be a "cup half empty" kind of person and see ONLY the "misery" and "dispair".....
there's far too much to be THANKFUL for, whether it's something in my life or others, to spend too much time concentrating on finding those in "misery"....
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 4:02:17 PM
|
|
|
Liveloved
Posts: 1300
Joined: 1/22/2008
Status: offline
|
quote:
I am still trying to find that verse........
DaveW, It is in Ecclesiates, chapter 7. Beginning in verse two it says:
It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
Because that is the end of every man,
And the living takes it to heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter,
For when a face is sad a heart may be happy.
The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning,
While the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure.
Hope that doesn't disappoint you but it's there. 
Oops. . . after I posted I see someone else already did. But your thought triggered my memory and I knew it was something Solomon had said in Ecclesiates.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 4:11:13 PM
|
|
|
Clarity888
Posts: 19
Joined: 7/10/2008
Status: offline
|
Call me naive..but I'm really not getting this sad christian philosophy.. It sounds like an oxymoron to me..lol!!
As far as the "mourning" is concerned...what is said prior to verse 7 and after?
Is it "mourning" in the natural or "mourning" in the supernatural..meaning - mourning the spiritual death of the flesh..?
Please clarify if youc an..
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 4:28:59 PM
|
|
|
JimboFletch
Posts: 5566
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Liveloved
quote:
I am still trying to find that verse........
DaveW, It is in Ecclesiates, chapter 7...
Ecclesiates is not always a great source for doctrine. In that book, Solomon was very cynical, depressed, and called most of life a chasing after the wind and vanity. You might want to consider where he was in his journey before grabbing something from Ecclesiates and posting it on your fridge. It's like taking a quote from Jonah (in Jonah chapter 4) as your life-verse (while he whined after preaching in Nineveh).
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 4:56:29 PM
|
|
|
rcjames
Posts: 4851
Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
Status: offline
|
I guess I cannot have much input on this thread because the Church full of folks that come to my Chruch are estatically happy. Even after service they want to visit with each other till mid- afternoon or later. (To the point that I have to Tivo NASCAR - poor me) The congregation is the same the rest of the week (in ocntact with each other, helping each oher, lifting eachother up when a crises attacks one or the other of the families). So in all honesty I cannot be of much help here; except to say that happinesn is not a reach, but a norm for some folks.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 5:47:07 PM
|
|
|
NotDoneYet
Posts: 135
Joined: 12/11/2007
From: Virginia
Status: online
|
Most of the christians I know are definitely NOT happy people. There is a large portion that is on some sort of mood-altering drug or another, some that are just never satisfied with much of anything, and many who go around either feeling superior to someone else or burning with envy over another person.
If being a believer is to have the fruits of the spirit as listed in Galatians, why don't more demonstrate it? I don't mean "happy, happy, joy, joy"...but peace, contentment, etc.
It just amazes me...
NDY
_____________________________
Remember, normal is just a setting on the dryer!
Ranting and raving: diaryofaravingmom.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 8:26:55 PM
|
|
|
bob97
Posts: 1774
Joined: 6/24/2006
From: Kansas
Status: offline
|
It almost sounds like many think if we are Christians that we should not be happy. It is apparent to me that God wants us to be joyful because we belong to Him
Listen to these verses:
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.’
Nehemiah 8:10: Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
God also does not want us to worry…in fact worrying is a sin. The Bible clearly teaches Christians to avoid worrying. In Philippians 4:6, we are commanded, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Jesus also teaches believers to not worry. He encourages us to avoid worrying about our physical needs like clothing and food. Jesus assures us that our Heavenly Father will take care of all our needs (Please read Matthew 6:25-34). Therefore, we need not worry about anything.
Bob
_____________________________
The LORD clears the road for me!
The LORD is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 10:11:48 PM
|
|
|
thedivabrat
Posts: 277
Joined: 6/15/2008
From: North and South
Status: offline
|
I think "happy" comes and goes. Joy remains constant. That being said joy doesn't always just bubble up--sometimes it does-but in my experience it is like water in a well -it must be drawn up
I have peace most of the time--when I don't it is usually because my focus is on myself-when that happens I need some quiet time with the Lord. That is when I am refreshed.
Also, I came to the Lord relatively late in life--At 36. And though it would have been sooo much better to be His as a youngster I think having a "past" helps (me) in seeing/knowing the beauty and blessing of a saved life.
_____________________________
This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it. Ps 118:24
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/10/2008 10:56:14 PM
|
|
|
SonInMe1
Posts: 3618
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
Status: offline
|
quote:
if you’re a Christian and you are unhappy or suffering, you have a problem in your relationship with God.
Job comforter...?
quote:
It is in Ecclesiates, chapter 7.
I have always taken most of this book to be sarcasm. A man, who has explored every avenue of life and is just sick of it all until he finds his...joy...in God.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/11/2008 7:17:17 AM
|
|
|
draexo
Posts: 641
Joined: 1/26/2007
From: Saratoga County, New York
Status: offline
|
CS Lewis once said "Prosperity knits a man to the world". So if you are the type of Christian who follows the philosophy of certain Christian leaders and expect a material well-to-do life, wel....
Im going to go out on a limb here.
It is because Satan is here to steal our joy, and when a Christian is unhappy, Satan has succeeded.
_____________________________
The truth will set you free!
TRUTH
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/11/2008 9:29:22 AM
|
|
|
Yetto1997
Posts: 34
Joined: 7/9/2008
Status: offline
|
quote:
What about the brother who rebuked me for singing a happy song almost 40 years ago? I replied that the "Joy of the Lord is our strength." He responded it is HIS joy, not ours; and had I not read in the bible that it is "better to mourn than rejoice?"
I am still trying to find that verse........
I don't think he suffered from a lack of faith. He was a strong believer, loved the Lord with all he had.
Something about this particular post stuck with me when I read it, but I didn't think that much of it after I logged off. But wouldn't you know that as I opened my bible to finish Ecclesiastes, there in chapter 7 it hit me. I'm not sure if this is what your brother was referring to, but it rang a bell, and I couldn't help but log back on this morning to search for you.
Notably, "It is better to go to a house of mourning than to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man, the living should take this to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of the fool is in the house of pleasure." (verses 2-4)
From what I understand of this book, everything in life is meaningless without God. I'm not sure what you're brother meant, but maybe he took something different from it?
_____________________________
"Be on your gaurd, stand firm in faith, be a man of courage, be strong, do everything in love." ~1 Corinthians 16:13-14
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/11/2008 1:06:27 PM
|
|
|
rcjames
Posts: 4851
Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
Status: offline
|
quote:
Why aren't Christians more happy?
I would say that an unhappy Christan does not know who they are through Christ, nor understand fully what God has done for us, and doesn't understand what the future holds for those of us who overcome.
For if they did they would not be unhappy.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Happiness - 7/11/2008 1:33:06 PM
|
|
|
StephK
Posts: 1779
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Southwest Louisiana
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: contentment16
I just want us to be happier. I want to be more at peace. I am angry that we aren't more happy. What are we doing wrong? How can we procelytize when we can't show them the beauty of our faith? We need more of God.
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.
_____________________________
Stephanie
Religion has accepted the monstrous heresy that noise, size, activity and bluster make a man dear to God. To a people caught in the tempest God says, `Be still, and know that I am God.' ~AW Tozer
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why aren't Christians more happy? - 7/11/2008 2:52:42 PM
|
|
|
Abbreviated
Posts: 2177
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Kansas
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: contentment16
You know I wonder why more Christians aren't happier/at peace? Why are we allowing the devil and our flesh to kill our joy?
Cause Satan is the Prince here & this earth is NOT my home, but a temporary dwelling place with a temporary tent.
_____________________________
Buried In Legos...
Bologna Donuts
Jackie
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Tools
Printable Version
