Are you happy? Really happy? Is the world full of sunshine and roses wherever you go? We all want to be happy, don’t we? Well, most of us anyway. Some folk seem to only be happy when they are not. Like the porcupine in Walt Kelly’s Pogo cartoon who commented, “I hope I roll over and poke myself!” Others say they want to be happy but fill their lives with anger and divisive words that negate real happiness.

For some, being happy is the ultimate goal in life. Some believe it’s their right to be happy. The Declaration of Independence proclaims we all should have the right to the pursuit of happiness. But being always happy does not seem to be the evidenced birthright of any of us. Still, we should have opportunity and encouragement to pursue happiness.

Maybe you’ve heard it said that you can’t really believe in Jesus and be unhappy; that the joy of the Lord wipes away all tears. Of course, God makes that particular promise in reference to our heavenly home where there will be no more tears, no more pain, no more sorrow. But for now, we endure all these things, some more than others.

And if we really look at the life of Jesus, we see he not only laughed with the children but also wept with compassion for others. He mourned. He grew weary. He felt real pain and for one brief moment, abandonment. If we ask God to see the world through his eyes, it might take the grin off our happy face. It’s like watching the Palm Sunday parade with everyone singing Hosanna to Jesus but seeing beyond that to the backdrop of his painful crucifixion. We should rejoice in the smiles of our children but seeing all children through God’s eyes creates a more somber view.

I know we all like to pick our favorite verses of encouragement. But the promises of joy are in the context of sorrow. There is joy in the Lord because he is with us in our sorrow, our disappointment, our pain and grief. He doesn’t abandon us to our own weakness. His presence strengthens us. His grace comforts us. His promises give us hope. . . even when we aren’t happy. Even when a storm surrounds us. Even when we feel all alone. Even when our bodies writhe in pain. Even when there’s no happiness to be found in those dark places of life, there remains a certain contented joy that transcends mere happiness.

That joy comes from the knowledge that the creator of the universe sees you where you are. He notices, even if you haven’t noticed him. He knows your sorrow and your doubts. He catches your tears in his hand. Your worries and anxiety are not lost to him. He sees you where you are and he calls you by name. When you quiet yourself and listen, you can hear him speak. Maybe not in an audible voice, but you can recognize his encouraging presence if you are still before him. He speaks through his Word, through his Spirit, through others, and even through the painful experiences that make you so sad.

Happy or not, God never abandons his children.  Whether we’re happy or not, he remains faithful. He will continue to work good through all circumstances, happy or not, for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. Being sad is not somehow “unChristian.” It’s not a reflection that you’ve lost your faith. In fact, it might be the mark of a maturing faith to be sad in the face of poverty, divisive relationships, and so many oppressing realities. Your faith, not your emotions, is what sustains you, when you are happy – or not.

Pursue happiness. But pursue even more ardently the one who strengthens you and gives you hope when you are happy…or not.