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RE: Are you happy? - 9/10/2008 4:07:25 PM
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Dancre
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I wish more Christians had this outlook. Sad that they don't. I know God is on my side, so why wouldn't I jump for joy????
quote:
ORIGINAL: mvic
Thank you all for your responses. Very helpful.
What prompted the question was a discussion I had with someone as to whether being a Christian necessarily makes one happier in life.
I believe that our outlook, if based on the fact that Christ is with us at all times, would be more positive even when we face difficult times.
I pray that God helps you all, especially if at this time you're facing any problems or difficulties.
Thanx and God bless.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/10/2008 4:11:55 PM
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JerrynDolli
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The happenings in my life at the moment are pleasant going favorable to my likings. That is, just everything seems to be going my way. Yet, I do not put my hope in what is happening... for happiness is usually a by product of everything (what is happening in a person's sphere) going their way. Knowing this I do not concentrate on my happiness as much as I remember and choose to stay plugged into the source of my joy... the Lord. It is written that the Joy of the Lord is our strength. Happiness is fleeting, Joy in the Lord supercedes happiness. Knowing this I'm rarely despondent.
So regardless of my circumstances, favorable or negative oppositions to my plans (not necessary God's plans for me), I'm a 10 plus when my mind is stay on Jesus the source of my joy. The moment I take my mind off Him.... though by the natural things appear very wonderful in my life,
it is a 5-3. My attitude of not thinking about Him, can hinder me from truly enjoying a favorable situation... therefore, one might think of me as ungrateful (which I am at that moment) and taking the blessings for granted. In fact, honestly it is in the moments of great disappointments I find myself joyful... for I encourage myself in the Lord and remember His greatness and all that He has and can do. This brings joy in my heart... and one of the biggest smiles with in my heart. Therefore, I appear happy.
Yep, just thinking about it as I write makes me feel very happy. I think I'm about a 15 plus right now... just thinking about The Wonder of God and How Good He is to Us, Me... All. Especially, when I know I stink in His nostrils at times with my attitudes. He Is Truly Awesome!!!
~Dolli
< Message edited by JerrynDolli -- 9/11/2008 8:58:12 AM >
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/11/2008 3:23:07 AM
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rapturetruth
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I am at a scale of 5 there because things are okay and can get better i think and i feel that people totally surrendered [all progessively] to Him will be totally happy a matter of time and in heaven too--If u thought of it ..So i think i am moving to a scale of 8 soon in doing the best things to please Him daily..But i had my share of bad times still like some of you here definately--
I seek to stay in the scriptures consistently ..and it helps a lot.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/11/2008 5:21:48 PM
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beachcooky
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Three. Or 4. I don't know.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/11/2008 5:41:46 PM
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Liveloved
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quote:
Yep........If you are Happy and you know it CLAPP your hands........lol
Sally beat me to it! But I was clapping. 
And RC beat me to my main message which is that true happiness is knowing you are the blessed of God! What can make a person happier than that?
I have multiple sclerosis. I have neuropathy in both hands and feet. They feel as if a cord is pulling on them and my ability to 'feel' is becoming less and less which means every task is slower and more difficult. I'm partially blind. I lose my balance easily. I could go on but won't. I had surgery on my knee this summer and am still dealing with recovery. And I'm a melancholy person by nature. BUT. . .
I am blessed! God has blessed me greatly. He loves me. He loves me so much He came to earth and died for me. And all that I am going through is His love for me. I am His and He is mine and nothing can change that. We have an eternity to enjoy together. That is great reason for happy.
BTW, I'm a 10.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/11/2008 5:53:08 PM
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agapetos
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quote:
What prompted the question was a discussion I had with someone as to whether being a Christian necessarily makes one happier in life.
I believe that our outlook, if based on the fact that Christ is with us at all times, would be more positive even when we face difficult times. I disagree.
Knowing that Christ has walked beside me for these past 10+ years that I've been a Christian has given me peace that I am not alone in my life. But that doesn't mean that I've wanted to 'jump for joy' (to quote Dancre) all the time.
I believe that without Christ, I may well not be alive today and so I'm thankful for that.
Peace is different to happiness. Surely it is as unnatural to be happy all the time as it is to be depressed all the time. How can we experience real happiness without experiencing sadness too. Who appreciates that their body works well until it gets broken in some way?
The pain that I've experienced in my knee this past week has affected how happy I feel but it hasn't affected the peace I feel at God being in my life.
And remember, even Jesus knew sorrow.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/12/2008 8:13:34 AM
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JimboFletch
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Something to consider:
I believe people are willing to settle for and seek Affection, Happiness, and Quiet (based on external conditions). But the better way is fruit of the Spirit Love, Joy, and Peace (based on internal conditions provided by Jesus).
An example from my Navy experience:
I served aboard a destroyer and a cruiser. When the weather was nice, there was very little motion and it was like being gently rocked to sleep at night. But when we were hit with gale force or hurricane force winds, then walking, working, eating, and sleeping was nearly impossible. Everything was a struggle. Our experience on the ocean was governed by the state of the surface of the sea.
In the same part of the ocean and in the same violent and frightening seas, submarines moved along without any effect from the rough surface conditions because their normal operating depth was well below any action from the most severe storm. Down deep, they were steady all the time, despite surface conditions.
That, in a nutshell, is the difference between happiness and joy. Both can be exhilarating but only the Joy of the Spirit remains steady and strong when surface conditions fall apart.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/12/2008 8:54:35 AM
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DaveW
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quote:
ORIGINAL: JimboFletch
An example from my Navy experience:
I served aboard a destroyer and a cruiser. When the weather was nice, there was very little motion and it was like being gently rocked to sleep at night. But when we were hit with gale force or hurricane force winds, then walking, working, eating, and sleeping was nearly impossible. Everything was a struggle. Our experience on the ocean was governed by the state of the surface of the sea. OT:
Got an email yesterday from the head of Marine Chart Division, NOAA, with some great photos 175 miles upstream on the Mississippi River during Hurricane Gustav.
Wish I could post them.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/12/2008 10:03:33 AM
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mvic
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Thank you for all your contributions and touching stories.
I accept that "happy" was perhaps not the best word to use; and that it is a temporary state of attitude which changes depending on our condition, health, and state of mind at a given time.
However, I firmly believe that knowing for certain, within your inner self, within your very soul, that God exists, that Jesus His Son is always beside you and within a prayer's reach; does make one "happy". Use a different word if you wish; but that certain knowledge of an almighty super-natural being having created you and protecting you with His love does affect one's attitude throughout life.
You mat not "jump for joy" all the time, as Agapetos said, but you know all the time that you are safe in His protection.
I know a man who is very ill, having undergone several operations, and suffering great pain at times. Whenever I ask him whether the pain is any less he replies: I'm doing well. God is good to me. There are so many people so much worse off than me.
God bless.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/12/2008 10:49:20 AM
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TorchHeart
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That sounds nice, but it doesn't give me any reason to be "joyful" all the time, with all due respect. I'm more with agapetos' view, only slight more realistic about it, too.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/12/2008 11:40:11 AM
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URForgiven
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quote:
ORIGINAL: TorchHeart
That sounds nice, but it doesn't give me any reason to be "joyful" all the time, with all due respect. I'm more with agapetos' view, only slight more realistic about it, too.
Happiness depends upon what is happening. Joy depends upon God. Happiness is fruit of our dwelling. Joy is fruit of the indwelling Spirit of the Christian who is abiding in Christ. Happiness is external. Joy is internal.
Happiness is a very "western" concept. And even that only in recent history. To say that happiness is some kind of proof of ones being blessed by God, is tantamount to saying that only those born into the prosperity of Western civilization are saved.
I am thinking of John McCain being tortured and existing in a filthy 6x9 cell for 5 years, or a Chinese Minister who has been imprisoned simply because of His beliefs. Or a Christian convert in Bangladesh, or any other place where the hope of ever rising above abject squalor is simply not even an option.
Our Joy, as Christians, is in knowing our God, and in knowing that He works all things together for our good. Our ultimate joy comes from the knowledge that in Christ we have eternal life. That eternal life is a present reality, not a future possibility.
Happiness is fleeting and fickle. Joy is everlasting and stable.
To claim to be happy when you are experiencing the most horrific of existence's, is not being blessed, it is being insane. Christ was not "happy" about His suffering, He sweat drops of blood. But the joy of God the Father never left Him...even in His suffering.
Peace
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/12/2008 12:04:35 PM
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TorchHeart
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OK. So then we're talking about two different things when we talk about "joy" and "happiness."
So what is this thread about then? Because I see people bringing up how happy they are regarding being saved and having Jesus die for their sins, etc. But then, from what I'm understanding, that goes under "joy." So "joy" does not translate into happiness for every Christian, correct? Or is there just something wrong with for missing from those of us who don't get this (pardon the expression) sappy-happy-"YEA GOD"-feeling?
And then are those people who answer in this thread that they're a huge and mighty 10 because of how they feel about Jesus... are they confusing what the topic of this thread is?
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/12/2008 12:45:37 PM
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alanajackson
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no. I'm not happy. I have a mentally ill ex, troubled adult kids, live alone and lonely........I dont think the joy of the Lord is the same as happiness..but I am not happy.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/12/2008 2:41:31 PM
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mvic
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As the starter of this thread, I can assure you it is not about semantics.
My Thesaurus doesn't show much difference between happiness and joy; except that the latter uses less letters.
The purpose of the thread is, as I mentioned earlier, in a discussion with someone we debated whether being a Christian, truly believing in the supreme power of God and His love for us, does make us happy/joyful in our outlook throughout life.
I think most respondents agree with the above. Whether they are happy or joyful about it is another matter.
Personally I am both happy and joyful about it - so much so that my score has gone up to 10.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/12/2008 2:52:10 PM
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TorchHeart
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quote:
The purpose of the thread is, as I mentioned earlier, in a discussion with someone we debated whether being a Christian, truly believing in the supreme power of God and His love for us, does make us happy/joyful in our outlook throughout life.
I think most respondents agree with the above. Whether they are happy or joyful about it is another matter.
Then I would be in the minority. I believe in God and I celebrate what He gave us, but it doesn't make anything in my life that much better.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/12/2008 3:51:38 PM
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mvic
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I really don't understand what you are saying TorchHeart.
If you believe in God and "celebrate" what He gave us, it follows that you should be happy about it. Celebrate means being happy.
I agree that events in our lives could push our "happiness quotient" down at times (mine reached minus 10 at one stage); but surely the certain knowledge that He exists, He loves us, and He is always ready to help us would push this up into the high plus.
When we're down in "happiness" we should turn back to the Bible, read about Him, discuss our problems with others, get advice ... believe, believe and believe in Him and trust Him. Now watch the "happiness" scale go up.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/12/2008 4:21:26 PM
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alanajackson
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quote:
ORIGINAL: mvic
I really don't understand what you are saying TorchHeart.
If you believe in God and "celebrate" what He gave us, it follows that you should be happy about it. Celebrate means being happy.
I agree that events in our lives could push our "happiness quotient" down at times (mine reached minus 10 at one stage); but surely the certain knowledge that He exists, He loves us, and He is always ready to help us would push this up into the high plus.
When we're down in "happiness" we should turn back to the Bible, read about Him, discuss our problems with others, get advice ... believe, believe and believe in Him and trust Him. Now watch the "happiness" scale go up.
With respect I dont know that is realistic. Deal with divorce, health issues, work problems, money problems, adult children ruining their lives, nutty ex's, lack of sleep (thru no fault of my own)...you are not gonna feel so great. God has GREATLY blessed me, provided for me in amazing ways. I am so thankful. But I feel awful. And that is my reality.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/12/2008 4:26:32 PM
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TorchHeart
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quote:
ORIGINAL: mvic
I really don't understand what you are saying TorchHeart.
What is there not to understand?
quote:
If you believe in God and "celebrate" what He gave us, it follows that you should be happy about it. Celebrate means being happy.
OK. I'm happy about it. But that doesn't make my happiness level go up to a 10. I think you're putting too much focus on this one thing and saying that it should always make everyone happy.
quote:
I agree that events in our lives could push our "happiness quotient" down at times (mine reached minus 10 at one stage); but surely the certain knowledge that He exists, He loves us, and He is always ready to help us would push this up into the high plus.
That's supposed to make it go higher? God will help us IF HE WANTS TO help us.
quote:
When we're down in "happiness" we should turn back to the Bible, read about Him, discuss our problems with others, get advice ... believe, believe and believe in Him and trust Him. Now watch the "happiness" scale go up.
Can't I just go have a steak, instead? 
The Bible does not give me happiness. It reminds me of other things. Discussing problems can help, but its kind of a crutch and doesn't necessarily lead to solving them. Advice isn't always right. Lately, I've almost had too much advice, and none of it feels right.
Trust.... don't get me started, please. We've discussed that in private before.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/12/2008 7:46:53 PM
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mvic
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AlanaJackson,
I agree that circumstances such as you describe, and other circumstances, would make someone feel awful indeed. The point I'm trying to make is that if someone truly believes in God, and loves and trusts Him then that fact itself would affect one's outlook on life. Call it positive outlook, call it happiness, joy or whatever. The very knowledge that you're not in this alone, there is an all powerful God looking after you must affect your outlook on life.
The alternative i.e. not believing in a God at all, is not worth contemplating.
TorchHeart,
God always wants to help us. The problem is with us. We don't see His actions, or lack of them, as help. We want it our way not His.
We may say "Thy will be done" but perhaps we really don't trust Him enough.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/12/2008 11:50:15 PM
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TorchHeart
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quote:
God always wants to help us. The problem is with us. We don't see His actions, or lack of them, as help. We want it our way not His.
My point. God will help us IF it serves His will.
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RE: Are you happy? - 9/13/2008 1:35:22 AM
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whisperingwaters
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quote:
ORIGINAL: mvic
God always wants to help us. The problem is with us. We don't see His actions, or lack of them, as help. We want it our way not His.
We may say "Thy will be done" but perhaps we really don't trust Him enough.
I want it my way I will admit. I want to die and move on to the afterlife but for some reason it is God's will to keep me here, I pray that His will is done in this and not my own but I really want my will done and for God to harvest my life. Maybe it is His will to keep me around because I'm planing on going to bible college and be a missionary to China maybe I will win a few to the kingdom, I don't know.
On a scale of 1-10 I'd say I'm probably a 7.
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