I was reflecting this morning on what brings us joy and makes us happy. We have so distorted our understanding of these concepts moving them to the centre of our life purpose rather than seeing them as the unexpected outcome of lives dedicated to God’s purposes. Pursuit of self brings fleeting joy and momentary happiness that often has long term consequences of suffering and pain.
Real joy and happiness do not come from pursuing self-love, self-satisfaction and self-advancement. They well up from deep within our souls when we become aware of how our productivity has fulfilled God’s purposes. Joy comes from restoring God’s image to the lives of the marginalized and abandoned. Enduring happiness comes from bringing into our broken world glimpses of God’s kingdom of freedom, abundance and love.
While reflecting on this today I wrote this prayer which expresses some of what I was thinking:
God we have scattered ourselves
Looking for pleasure
We are dissatisfied with wanting, tasting and getting
God we have exhausted ourselves
Running after wealth
We are drained by long hours of pressure and stress
We have diminished ourselves
Seeking glory through our own efforts
We are disillusioned by self centredness and fleeting happiness
We have not found joy
In self-love, self satisfaction or self exultation
God have mercy and forgive us
Restore to us the joy of your salvation
Renew a right spirit within us
May we live well and enjoy productive and righteous lives
May we find our joy in serving you
And discover real happiness in loving others
May we find in the you the way, the truth and the life
Amen