Happiness

Lately, I've found myself pondering what makes people happy. I heard someone say that his happiness is directly related to his accomplishments, blessings he's received, and the wonderful friends and family he has. But, what if he hadn't accomplished anything? What if his blessings were on hold and family and friends had left him feeling abandoned and alone? Could he still feel happiness?

Can people who base their happiness on other people and material things still be happy in times of hardship, loss and uncertainty? In the past, my answer would have been no, because I've been there. When I didn't have any money, I was miserable, worrying about why I was broke and where I was going to get the money needed to pay my bills. I worried about why some people had more than I did when I was working so hard to get what they had.

I based my happiness on material things: money, belongings, and friendships, but soon came to realize that those things come and go. They are not definite or certain. Money is spent, friends move on, belongings waste away.

I've found that the only thing that is certain and lasting is God and my relationship with Him. Through poverty and wealth, good times and bad, God keeps me strengthened and encouraged. He has gotten me past material happiness to experience something more.

God revealed to me during meditation some time ago that I have not because I ask not. He reminded me that I don't have to worry about the things that others have because all I have to do is ask and it's mine. He's given me peace in the midst of trial and lack. I may not have much money or many belongings, but I'm rich in the Lord, and that makes me happy.

The bible says in Philippians 4:6-8 that I should be anxious about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let my requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart and my mind through Christ Jesus. This comforts me and makes it easier for me to not complain and worry about what I don't have.
 
I recall laying in my comfortable bed in my warm apartment and still worrying about how I was going to pay my next bill or get my next meal. What I've found is that with God, even with no money and no possessions, I can be happy and worry free. I've realized that faith in and dependence on God is the only way to true happiness. Being grateful for what you have and praising Him even in the midst of trial and lack can bring you to a place of complete calm and peace.

I've been more at peace sleeping in a shopping cart than I felt sleeping between soft sheets and under a warm comforter. God is the only true comforter. He will ease all of your pains and bring you happiness when you're broke, when you've lost a loved one, and even when you're homeless and sleeping on the streets.

Though I am thankful for my new job, a roof over my head, and warmth on cold winter nights, I now know that I don't need those things to be thankful and happy. With God, I have more than happiness. I have joy!

It Could Have Been Me

Before I had any thoughts of homelessness, I received an income that, for the most part, allowed me to pay my bills. I worked a part time job and received what was left of financial aid as I worked on my MBA. I lived fairly comfortably in a decent apartment with a roommate and no worries worth mentioning.

I had just come out of a compromising situation and was trying to regain my footing when God told me to begin to renew my mind. He told me to start listening to motivational messages and reading books about success and how to become successful. So, every morning, as soon as I woke, I prayed, read the bible, listened to motivational speeches, meditated, and read at least 30 minutes of a success related book.

When I was no longer working or going to school and money became an issue, I continued to pray and read and meditate because doing these things kept me feeling motivated and strengthened. When I had nowhere to go and had to live on the street, I concentrated on keeping my focus on God and I did everything He told me to do.

One night, as I was resting in the shopping cart I called my bed, God reminded me of an event that happened years ago, but in that moment, changed my life.

Approximately 15 years ago, some friends and I visited Hollywood, CA and took in all of the city's sights and monuments. One day, as we were walking down Hollywood Blvd, a young girl was standing on a street corner, swinging on a light pole and smiling seductively at all of the people walking by. She was a prostitute.

The girl was young, maybe between 16 and 20, and attractive. She didnt bother to speak, she just carressed the light pole she swung on and smiled sweetly at the people passing by. As we walked past her, she looked intently at me and smiled. I met her gaze and with disgust on my face and in my voice, I said, "Get a job!" Everyone in my group, as well as some strangers close by, laughed and voiced their agreement. We walked on, leaving her there on that corner, swinging on that light pole, probably feeling humiliated and rejected.

For over 15 years, I hadn't thought about that young lady or the events of that day, until God brought it back to me that night. As He reminded me of the cruel words I spoke to her, God scolded me saying, "That could have been you!"

That young lady may have felt that prostitution was her last resort. It may have been the only way she could eat or support her family. I'm sure she didn't want to be out there selling her body and living the life she had chosen, but my judgmental mind wouldn't allow me to consider her troubles. I only saw her sins.

God told me that if He hadn't renewed my mind before I had to move to the streets, I may have been forced to chose prostitution as well.

I cried and repented that night as I thought about that girl and wondered what happened to her. Is she still on the streets? Is she dead? Has she made it off of the streets and now living a better life?

Since the night God reminded me of her, I think about her and pray for her often. I praise God for ensuring my mind was strengthened and set on Him before my trials came. I thank Him for giving me peace in the midst of my trials and reminding me not to judge anyone because of their circumstances because I don't know their stories and what they've been through. I thank Him for teaching me compassion and for showing me that at any given moment, that could have been me.

I've had to struggle through tough times, endure hardships, and live through circumstance I never dreamed I would have to experience, but God spared me from the fait of the young woman in Hollywood. Instead, when He knew my time for trouble was coming, He transformed me by renewing my mind.

Scripture references: Romans 12:2, Matthew 7:1-3