How Do Our Actions Affect Our Happiness?

How do our actions affect our happiness?

[Jesus’] divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature. 2 Peter 1:3-4

Research has proven that if you want to be happy . . . serve others. People who volunteer and give become happier as a result, because the key to happiness is to labor for the happiness of others. . . . Those who feel happy are also more productive, effective and successful. ARTHUR BROOKS

WHAT DO GOD’S CHILDREN lack in order to live godly, happy lives? Absolutely nothing. We’re told God’s power has “granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” All we need has already been granted to us, along with “his precious and very great promises,” which enable us, through his Holy Spirit, to access God’s own nature, including his happiness.

If you believe in the God of the Bible, if you’ve placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Redeemer, then the following things are true:

• The price for your happiness has been paid.
• The basis for your happiness is secure.
• The resources for your happiness are provided daily.
• The assurance of your eternal happiness is absolute, providing an objective reason for your happiness today.

To better know, follow, worship, and love Christ produces happiness in Christ. We can’t skip these steps in order to get to happiness. It doesn’t work that way. We must choose to meditate and build daily upon the foundations of our happiness, not wait for happiness to magically arrive.

Happiness researchers have found that circumstances can contribute about 10 percent to our happiness—a remarkably small percentage. Next comes our internal makeup, including genetic factors and temperament, which can account for 50 percent of our happiness level.^a The final 40 percent, the experts say, is entirely within our control: our choices, behaviors, and thoughts.^b

We’re commanded in Scripture, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2). This change in thinking is our responsibility. German Reformer Martin Luther (1483–1546) is credited with saying, “You can’t stop the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from making a nest in your hair.” We choose thoughts that lead us either toward or away from Christ, and therefore toward or away from happiness in Christ.

Yes, we can learn to control our thoughts. They’re not foreign invaders against which we have no defense.

Since God is sovereign over circumstances, genetics, background, and temperaments, even the 60 percent of happiness factors secular research affirms we can’t change are used by God to accomplish his purpose. And the 40 percent under our control are subject to the Holy Spirit’s influence.

Sometimes small, easy choices bring happiness—flipping through a photo album, riding a horse, baking cookies, or dining out. Today I played about a dozen popular songs Nanci and I grew up with, and we smiled the whole time.

Other times life involves such sadness and stress that we must go through multiple steps and the passing of time—with moments of laughter along the way—before a settled joy can emerge. David began a psalm with these words: “Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled. . . . I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears” (Psalm 6:2, 6). Near the end of the psalm, he says, “The LORD has heard the sound of my weeping. The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer” (verses 8-9). This realization lays the groundwork for moving David toward the kind of powerful joy that is so evident in other psalms. Sometimes we move quickly to happiness, other times more gradually.

Both modern research and Scripture put the ball in our court. Happy people give generously, serve others, and seek to make others happy. Happiness doesn’t precede giving and serving; it accompanies and follows it. Those who sit around waiting to be happy shouldn’t hold their breath—it will likely be a long wait!

A 2010 survey revealed that of 4,500 Americans who volunteered an average of one hundred hours a year, 68 percent reported feeling physically healthier, 73 percent said volunteering “lowered my stress levels,” and 89 percent reported that it “has improved my sense of well-being.”^c This idea that happiness requires action isn’t controversial. Research corresponds perfectly with Scripture. Speaking of our spiritual gifts, Paul said, “Let us use them. . . . The one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:6, 8). We’re not just told to be cheerful but to use our gifts cheerfully, which spreads joy to others.

As a young pastor, I led our church’s counseling ministry. I said to various married couples, “You meet with me and then have the illusion that you did something to help your marriage—but coming here means nothing unless you actually make the changes we talk about.” When it comes to happiness, the same principle applies: speaking or reading about it doesn’t necessarily make it happen.

I’ve heard people talk about their hopes or plans to one day read the Bible regularly, give generously, volunteer for children’s ministry, or go on a mission trip. God’s gift of happiness isn’t based on what we’d like to do or hope to do or even plan to do—only on what we actually do.

Simply recognizing that happiness comes from knowing, loving, and serving God is a good beginning, but it isn’t enough. We need to open God’s Word, go to the Bible study, join a church, volunteer at a homeless shelter, write a check to support Bible translation for unreached people groups, or go on a summer mission trip. If we want new and better results when it comes to our happiness, we must act!

Father, we need your empowerment to make choices that will enlarge our happiness in you. Help us seek to be happy in you by meditating on your Word and making the most of every opportunity to give our lives for you and others. By a work of your grace, grant us the courage and conviction to act on the opportunities you faithfully provide.