by Carel Chan
Imagine a game of tug and war but instead of applying might on a rope that is tugged at by two forces, you are the target of the two forces. Both forces are trying their best to get you on their side. You are torn between them. The turmoil, the pressure, the unrest are tearing you apart. The internal strife is ripping you mentally, physically and emotionally. I believe there are moments that we struggle with such dissonance in life. Often such an ordeal happens because of a high impact decision we have to make. Torn between situations, undecided, wavering in uncertainty and hesitation, are certainly not descriptions of one who lives happy. How can we live happy when the brutal reality of life struggles refuses to leave us alone?
Let’s come back to earth and be pragmatic, knowing that such idealism of us being totally free from emotional and mental stresses in life would never happen. But amidst us, there are “happy beings” who are able to weather such stress and emotional entanglement way better than we can. Well, it is important not to be confused with individuals who live irresponsibly and those who truly rise above their circumstances. For there are many who live negligently and hastily by ignoring such “distress” in life and conveniently make decisions, not the least bothered by the impact these decisions have on their lives and the consequences they have on others. I am referring to those who truly wade through such “pressures” and “emotional dissonance”, resolving them with a light-heartedness that is neither irresponsible nor hasty.
A significant episode in life came to my mind. More than a decade ago, I had to face one of life’s decisions that was both emotionally and mentally challenging. That is, the decision to be married to my husband, then my boyfriend. Some may find this story amusing but for me, to decide who to marry is life’s most important decision. It is more important than buying a house, making a career choice or owning a car. Most women would want to marry well and marry happy, don’t we?
When my husband proposed to me, I was in a swirling vortex of emotions, unable to respond. I was ambivalent about accepting the proposal. The only answer I could offer to my “poor” husband, was for him to give me three days so that I couldd come back with a decision. This was an unexpected and unusual scenario of a typical proposal. My husband who came to me in high spirits, left with a heavy heart. At this point, some of you may think, I was unsure of my feelings and that I didn’t truly love this man. Regardless of the varied perceptions you may attempt to discern from my response and behaviour, I thank God that I am happily married to the man who God has approved for my life.
So what did I do with the three days? There were only three things I did for that three days – praying, seeking and listening to God. Interestingly, the happiest moment was not when my husband proposed, neither was it when I said “yes” to him. The happiest moment was when I received a confirmation from the Lord through His Word. The sureness of my decision that is founded upon His Word was my happiest moment. There was no need to waver, for there was no more tossing in the sea of uncertainty. There was no crossroads that baffled me but only the path that He had directed me through His Word.
Proverbs 16:20 (GNT) says, “Pay attention to what you are taught, and you will be successful; trust in the Lord and you will be happy.”
Another version (NLT) says, “Those who listen to instructions will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.”
It is in trusting the Lord through His Word that I truly find joy and happiness. We do not need to question the veracity of God’s promises for our life. Trusting someone who is faithful to his promises is a no-brainer. What’s more trusting a God who is unchanging in His love for us? “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” ascends to God for His glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:20, NLT).
Our God is faithful, there is no duplicity in Him. His promises would definitely be fulfilled. There would be no wavering between “yes” and “no”. All of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “yes”! – Not just a mere “yes”, but a powerful and roaring “yes”.
Trusting the Lord is not a one-time event. Walking down the pathway of marriage since 13 years ago, requires that I trust His Word confidently, unshaken by the circumstances of life. Only then, will I be able to find happiness in my marriage.
I pray that you are able to find joy and happiness, living a happy life knowing that each second, each minute, and each moment there is a God whom you can trust in, depend and rely on.
And if you have not received this good and faithful God as your Lord and Saviour, I like to invite you to pray this prayer with me. Let Him be your cornerstone in living a happy life.
“Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I have sinned against You and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You are the Son of God and came to die for my sins and have risen from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I trust and follow You as my Lord and Saviour. I believe You are the Source of my life, the true cornerstone to living Happy. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.”
Welcome to our Happy Family at River Church! We want to rejoice and share our happiness as a Church with you. Click on this link and leave us your contact details. You can also visit our Live Happy Sermon Series for more inspirational messages.