Is it just a happiness high?

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Selfcare”

Our Bible verse for today: “I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know both how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content – whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Is it just a happiness high?”

I love to watch children on a sugar high (as long as I can send them to their parents when it gets to be a bit much). As the grandfather of a four-year-old I can laugh at his antics, wrestle with him a bit, and then hand him off to his parents. Likewise, as the pastor in our church on donut Sunday when the kids have had one donut too many, I can direct the parents to get control of their kids. And fortunately, a sugar high passes pretty quickly.

Likewise with a happiness high. A happiness high occurs when we rely on something temporary and unsubstantial to make us feel good. A new possession, some fun entertainment, sex, or even a substance such as drugs or alcohol, all release the happiness hormones of dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins, and they do make us feel good, for a short while. But like sugar in the blood stream of a four-year-old, the feeling passes quickly and then we’re looking for the next donut, or the next possession, or the next pill or bottle.

Happiness is fleeting and temporary. Joy, on the other hand, is deep-seated, it lives in the heart, and as the Apostle Paul described in Philippians 4:11-12, it is learned and cultivated. Paul was a content man despite whatever his circumstances were, because he had learned the secret of contentment (true joy). He found it in Jesus. Rather than focusing on outward circumstances and allowing those circumstances to determine his state of mind, he turned his focus inward to the indwelling Holy Spirit of Jesus.

But he learned how to do this. It was an ability he wanted to have, an attitude and frame of mind that he decided to cultivate. So, he trained himself in spiritual discipline and he practiced looking to Jesus for his joy and contentment. We must do this too.

If you are relying on a continuous series of happiness highs to make you feel good, you will always be chasing the next high. If you learn to find your joy and contentment in Christ, you will have it regardless of what’s going on in the world around you. I encourage you to seek true joy and contentment in Christ, rather than the temporary and fleeting happiness highs offered by the world.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Share this:

Related

Leave a comment Cancel reply