What if I told you that I know someone who will give you happiness not just for an hour or two, but all day, everyday, forever, would you like to meet Him?
Isn’t it amazing how the world wants to regulate even our happiness? When we drive down main streets or pass hotels, we see signs announcing “Happy Hour” with free hors d’oeuvres, drinks at half price, as if these things will make us happy even for a couple of hours. Real happiness has to do with being contented, satisfied, relaxed, having joy and peace in life. Do these characteristics fit you today? The world has always tried to relieve stress by artificial means, but they are only momentary. Paul wants us to know in this world there is only one thing that will give us permanent happiness. How does he know this? He knows it because he has experienced it. Not just once, not many times, but continually. He has found the “Happy Hour” that lasts forever and ever.
As we join Paul this morning he is having “Happy Hour” in a Roman prison cell. What a place to be celebrating “Happy Hour.” He is writing a letter to the Church at Philippi thanking them for their concern and past support. They could always be counted on, including financial support. Right now all they could do for Paul was to pray for him. Prayer is so very important, but we Christians must put our resources and ourselves behind our prayers. We are told to help our fellow Christians when they are in need. Most recently I received a request for financial assistance from one of our neighboring churches, and we came to their aid. Earlier this month the same church requested that we help them with some physical labor to help feed the needy in our community; again we put our backs behind our prayers. We pray for the other churches in our community, and this is good, but giving and praying is better. These sacrifices on our part are sweet-smelling, acceptable, and pleasing to God. Paul tells us that no other church provided him with financial support. Paul tells the Philippians “the same God who takes care of him will supply them with all they need from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
Paul goes on to say he is never really in need because he has learned the secret of getting along with what he has and where he is. He is happy when he has almost nothing or when he has everything. He has contentment in every situation. Some of us can be happy with less and others are unhappy with more, but Paul says we can be happy all the time if we know how.
What is the secret that Paul has learned? It is this; “that he can do everything with the help of Christ who gives him the strength he needs.”
When we make Jesus our Savior, we have a relationship with Him. When we make Him our Lord, we have fellowship with Him. When we have fellowship with Jesus we can do everything, at anytime, anywhere, and always be happy about it. You see, fellowship leads to strength, and strength leads to contentment. It’s “Happy Hour”!
Now glory be to God our Father forever and ever. Amen!
