The Journey to Happiness

I’d like to talk to you about making the choice to be happy. Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island, wrote, “There is no duty we undertake so much as the duty of being happy.”

Helen Keller, blind and deaf from childhood, said, “Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.

Being happy is not about denying the pain in life.

Yet, happiness is a choice, and it begins with you. The situation does not really matter. Years ago I remember learning that people who are happy when they are single are also happy when married.

Inner sunshine shines all the time. Anyone can be cheerful when it seems like everything is going well. But happiness is rarely the result of good fortune.

Have you noticed that happy people come in all stripes? They are happy in all walks of life, all jobs, and all situations. Some people really have a rough life and often live in painful circumstances but they are still happy. I’ve been surprised in talking with some folks; their faces and their cheerful voices indicate that life is going really well. But sometimes after conversation, their cheerful face becomes even more amazing once you hear their story.

In my early years as a pastor, I learned how difficult some people’s lives are, and yet the problems and tragedies of their lives did not dictate the joyful state of their minds and hearts. I found that such courage and strength of character to choose to be happy was an amazing thing. Again, I’m not suggesting you wear some plastic smile. Nor am I suggesting that you be numb to the realities of life. Fundamental happiness helps you bounce back.

I made a decision years back; I was going to choose to be happy. I have my moments- but I am so thankful for my life, my past and of course my future. No guarantees for the future, but I still choose joy.

Some promises from Scripture:

James 1: “Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds.”

1 Thessalonians 5: “Be joyful always and give thanks in all circumstances”

Philippians 4: “Think about good things.” “Rejoice in the Lord always.”

Psalm 34: “I will bless the Lord at all times.”

If you choose to be happy and joyful, you powerfully affect those around you. Happy people are always well-liked and admired. They communicate sunshine in times of storm. They are positive when surrounded by negativity.

There is strength in choosing to be happy, in choosing to radiate the sunshine of the SON. Nehemiah wrote, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” We have the Lord- we can be happy!

Dennis Heppner grew up in Canada and was called to ministry as a young boy. Dennis and his wife Denie, who was also called to missions as a child, pastored 4 churches in Canada, but in 1987 the door opened to come to the Philippines as missionaries. They brought their 4 eldest children with them and the kids grew up here. In 2006 they adopted Emma Rose, a special Filipino treasure and a gift from God to their family.

Dennis has been a missionary evangelist in Asia for 25 years. He was the director of LIFESCHOOLS of ministry and pastored 3 churches in the early years of his ministry based in the Philippines. He is currently the founder and President of Developing Effective Leaders (DEL), superintendent of Church of God West Asia, and the founding and lead Pastor of the vibrant, growing Church of God Makati.

Dennis and Denie and their whole family, including Josh and Melody who live in Canada, are committed to missions, leadership, and the call of Christ.

Read more of Ptr. Dennis’ articles HERE!