Summer, 1976: Water fights & hilarity in the back yard.
Fall, 1982: Grilling out with other poor young married couples.
June, 1987: First baby girl.
July, 1992: First house.
October, 2007: Vacation in the sun; no kids.
Christmas break, 2014: Holiday feast; all the kids home; games and gifts.
2017, 2022, 2024: Italy, Italy, Italy.
Memorable occasions stand out for one reason or another reminding us of happy times. With each happy memory comes stories of laughter, fun, and particularly satisfying events. Perhaps one reason that we have those special memories is because those were occasions that were out of the ordinary. We would like every day to be an “amusement park” day filled with fun and excitement and cotton candy (or other tasty food with absolutely no nutritional value).
Occasions such as these come under the banner of happiness.
We all know what happiness is. However, you might not know that the word happiness is dependent upon circumstances. It is a cousin to the word happen. (Check that out in one of those big, thick dictionaries.)
Happiness fades, often with the fading light of day. Why? Our circumstances change day by day; things happen.
Yet, there are some people who seem to be happy all the time. Nothing gets them down, even when they are down. They seem to be different from everyone else. I have heard some claim that they have simply decided to be happy. That’s nice, but sometimes life stinks. I want something better.
Others gage their happiness by comparing their life to others. They recognize that they are more fortunate and that gives them reason to be happy. That’s also nice but still dependent on circumstances. Anything better?
I have decided to set my eyes on Jesus who is…
The author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.—Hebrews 12:2
What is that joy that Jesus possessed? How was it possible for him to have joy while enduring the pain and shame of the cross?
The joy that Jesus possessed was not based upon circumstances. The pain of the crucifixion did not bring joy, nor did the shame. Yet the pain and shame brought about a good result, our salvation. His joy was in knowing the future result that God had promised mankind through His death.
His joy was not a mere positive attitude. His joy was not a mere point of view by comparing Himself to others. His joy was based on something real. He actually grabbed hold of something with substance, God’s promises. That same joy exists for those who are saints in Christ.
Would you rather possess lasting joy rooted in the promises of God, or the temporary happiness that is dependent upon circumstances?
Have you grabbed hold of God’s promises?
Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.—Hebrews 12:3
Mark Stinnett
May 17, 2026
