In just a few days, the United States will celebrate our Independence Day. That day 250 years ago, delegates from the colonies gathered in Philadelphia in what is now known as Independence Hall, drafted, and signed a document designed to separate us from the rule of England. Among other things, they wrote:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness…
It’s the pursuit of happiness that I want to talk about a little today. It seems to me that this turn of phrase in our Declaration of Independence is one of the catalysts (if not the catalyst) for the creation of “The American Dream.” People in this country want it. People from outside of this country come here for it. They search for it often in possessions (houses, cars) and position. And when they can’t achieve it, they are discontent, discouraged, and disheartened.
Happiness does not come from such things. There is only one true, lasting source of happiness:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Our joy comes from God. It will naturally be part of the fruit we bear as His children (Galatians 5:22-23). It provides us with strength and security (Nehemiah 8:10). We can feel better physically and mentally because of it (Proverbs 17:22). And it will be accompanied by peace and hope (Romans 15:13).
So, certainly pursue happiness – the happiness that comes from serving God. I leave you today with the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:
Rejoice always. Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
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