Perspective

By L. Jim Tuck

April 4, 2024

Happiness: Missing Keys

    Do you ever wonder if something is missing in your life? If you do, you are not alone. Many millions of people around the world express they sense something is dramatically wrong. April first, an article addressing this topic appeared on an online news website, The Hill, titled, “Why are Americans so unhappy?”

   The article states, “We don’t feel like a happy country. And, in fact, on the list of the happiest nations, generated by Gallup each year, America is 23rd this year, behind the United Arab Emirates, and we have dropped from last year’s place of 15th. If you are looking for a happy country, go to Finland, which tops the list along with most of the Nordic countries. Most surprising about the data on happiness is that the most unhappy demographic is people under 30, which is ironic given their unique understanding of, and access to, new media. But no matter which age bracket you look at, people are feeling depressed. Overall, Americans feel broke and brokenhearted even with overall good national news on inflation. Financial stress is one reason so many Americans want to move to another country. In a recent poll by Monmouth University, one-third of respondents said they would like to live in a different nation — a figure that stood at 10 percent 50 years ago. (Not many people had an exact destination in mind.) Other factors contribute to unhappiness, but the common issue is generalized worry about where America is going on almost every issue from education to politics, according to the most recent Gallup polling data…”

   The article goes on to say that 1 in 5 face anxiety, and “More than 20 percent of teens have seriously considered suicide. Experts on mental health point to social media as one reason for social disconnectedness. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist at the New York University Stern School of Business and co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind, reminds us that with each step we’ve taken on the social media road, we have eroded confidence in ourselves.”

Perspective

   The experts are partially right about social media as a factor affecting happiness. So many in the developed western nations are too geared to social media, which, ironically, by its nature tends to isolate people from others.

   However, there are other factors. A man or woman on a small farm or a regular worker in a factory in America, Britain, Australia or a poor person in Asia or Africa can be a lot happier than the financially well-off of this world. They are not as stressed out striving to climb the ladder of financial success. They are not rushing down the freeway to make a meeting and getting upset with anyone who gets in the way. They are generally not trying to impress others, but they are more settled about who they are.

Being Chronically Stressed Can Cause Sickness

   All this stress and pursuing more and more in life is affecting the health of people. It has been shown scientifically that chronic stress is linked to macroscopic changes in certain areas of the brains. King Solomon wrote in ancient times, “A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22) Adam Clarke Commentary on this scripture states, “Nothing has such a direct tendency to ruin health and waste out life as grief, anxiety, fretfulness, bad tempers, etc. All these, work death.”

   Despite all of the modern material blessings, so many in the Western world are not satisfied. Contentment is a major component of being happy and must be learned. It is time to “Wake up and smell the roses,” and be thankful for the blessings we have received in life. The apostle Paul put it well: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

   With this kind of positive approach to life, our daily happiness will not be subject to the ups and downs life throws at us, and we will be more stable emotionally. With Paul’s mindset, one is always content wherever one is in life. Somehow, we need to replace the many frustrating negative things in our life with cheerfulness. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 15:13: “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”

   It has been said, “We are what we eat,” and we know food has a great impact on our health. Additionally, “We are what we think.” When we allow ourselves to brood and fret over our daily problems, it kills our drive and enthusiasm for life. Solomon’s wisdom expresses the damage done when we dwell on the negative, and the rewards of maintaining a positive mindset: “All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15)

Build Faith and Reliance on God

   As we face the trials of this life, we also face the reality that it all doesn’t depend on us. We must grow in reliance upon God and our belief that He loves us and will care for us through every trial in life.

   When we have this as a foundation mentally, it gives a better perspective and wisdom in handling the daily problems we face. When we trust God’s promises in His word and obey Him, we develop a greater confidence in life. We will always have a safe haven when the heavy trials come. King Solomon recorded these wise inspired words for us in Proverbs 14:26: “In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.”

   God wants us to enjoy all the benefits which come from following His wonderful way of life (Psalms 103:2). As we get a handle on these precious truths of the Bible, we will be happy!

This is my Perspective for this week.

Have a happy Sabbath and a great weekend!