Today is International Day of happiness. it is a day set aside by the
United Nations to reflect on the importance of happiness in the lives of the people.
Most of the Sustainable Development Goals were actually established for the
wellbeing and happiness of the people around the world. An annual survey issued on Wednesday, March 14,
2018 rated Finland as the world’s happiest country with Burundi at the bottom.
Nigerians are at 91st position, whereas in 2011 Nigeria was rated the happiest
country in the world.
Reflecting on this celebration, one may ask, is it really possible
- to be happy in the midst of adversity and economic meltdown? Can one derive happiness
in poverty and scarcity? How can we find happiness in a world where people are
not just hungry but angry? - a world where people are becoming so aggressive
due to hardship. How can we derive joy in our sorrowful and painful society? Can
we really find happiness in world where people are kidnapped, raped and even
killed without any remorse.
Can we find happiness in a country like Nigeria where everyone is
complaining of hunger - a country where money is no longer in circulation but
in the hands of few greedy individuals? Can we still celebrate a day of
happiness in a country that is flowing with tears and blood? By the way, how
can we talk of happiness in a country where the rich are getting richer and the
poor are getting poorer; a country where young graduates are jobless and
homeless. How do you expect workers and pensioners to be happy when they are
not receiving their salaries as at when due?
These ugly situations in Nigeria notwithstanding, happiness remains
an ultimate goal. Most of the things we do in life are geared towards
happiness. People struggle to get money because they want to be happy. They go
about searching for a good life partner because they want to enjoy a happy
married life. All the major celebrations in the world are qualified with
happiness. For instance, Happy Christmas! Happy Easter, Happy New Year! and
even Happy Salah! This shows that happiness is indeed the essence of our
celebration. Our celebrations are empty without happiness. And our final
journey here on earth is incomplete without eternal happiness.
Jesus Christ taught his disciples the importance of happiness. He even
taught them the secret of happiness in adversity. He declares, "Truly I say to you, you will weep and mourn, but
the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into
joy" (John 16:20). As long as our Lord Jesus Christ is concerned, we will
not remain in pains forever. Our pain will surely turn into joy. Our sickness
will turn into good health. Our poverty will turn into riches. Your barrenness
will turn into fruitfulness. Our sorrow and even our adversity will surely turn
into happiness.
The beatitudes of our Lord Jesus Christ are actually the
secret of happiness in the midst of adversity. In the gospel of Matthew 5:10-11
our Lord Jesus Christ declares, "Happy are those who are
persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy
are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil
against you falsely on my account. Rejoice
and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven." Persecution may not be a
pleasant experience. Going through persecution is like going through adversity.
Yet, for our Lord Jesus Christ, persecution is not even enough to deprive us of
our happiness. Instead of complaining in the midst of persecutions and
adversity you should rejoice and be glad because there is a great reward
waiting for you in God's kingdom.
Happiness is not just momentary, it is for life and for all
circumstances. St. Paul declares, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will
say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is near.”
(Philippians 4:4-5). Child of God, no matter the situation you find yourself
try to be happy - rejoice! Happiness is the best and only gift you can give to
yourself and to those around you. Do not allow anyone or any circumstance to
take away your happiness. Remember, happiness does not depend on wealth or food.
You may not have money but you can be happy. All you need is contentment
because the happy ones are not those who usually get what they want but those who
love what they have. So, there is no reason why you must not be happy.
As you share your happiness with those around you, I wish you
happiness all the days of your life here on earth and eternal happiness in
God's kingdom.
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