Sermon On A Happy Place

Elizabeth Wurtzel, a prolific American writer and journalist, sadly afflicted with cancer and depression once remarked: “It doesn’t matter how many years go by, how much therapy I embark on, how much I try to achieve that elusive thing known as perspective, which is supposed to put all past wrongs into their rightful and diminished place, that happy place where all the talk is of lessons learned and inner peace. No one will ever understand the potency of my memories, which are so solid and vivid that I don’t need a psychiatrist to tell me they are driving me crazy. My subconscious has not buried them, my superego has not restrained them. They are front and center, they are going on right now.” Psalm 16:11 confirms: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

One of the many definitions of a happy place is considered to be a zone or situation that somebody only has to think about in order to feel happy and relaxed. With due consideration, a happy place is as individualistic as it should be. In reality, it could be in any venue. It may be the smallest place in the world or alternatively, it could be the largest. It could be from a mountain, a popular place for Jesus, to perhaps a deckchair in the garden shed. Anywhere, in fact, where a sense of calm and inner peace prevails despite any external influences.

Many people experience fraught and busy lives that allow little time for relaxation purposes, a happy place, no matter where or what that may include, can provide a solution or opportunity to grasp an element of freedom in the quest for serenity. It allows for periods of reflection, it seeks the reduction of cares or concerns that may be troubling us, replenishing our minds or simply listening to the sounds of nature and giving thanks for God’s creation. It may provide a comfort zone where one can feel calm and safe. But perhaps most importantly of all, it can provide a feeling of solitude where we are not invaded by others or the many global problems that affect us all. Just like Jesus, it may also create a time for personal prayer with God. Prayer is usually our quiet time in life, no matter how busy our surrounds are. It is a time for personal and meaningful conversation with God. Prayer can be considered as one of the most powerful instruments of communication available. If we seek relaxation, but are still troubled by the problems of life, it provides the opportunity to ask for guidance, comfort or reassurance. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Despite certain opinions, God abides everywhere, some may misguidedly believe He lives purely in the kingdom of heaven, seated on the throne of righteousness, and overseeing everything that occurs below, but He is an active God. He doesn’t sit still, He is omnipresent, it is not difficult to find Him. He abides in the sounds of nature, perhaps a walk in the park, the rushing of the wind or even the calmness of the sea. The Bible informs us that Elijah sought God in the turbulence of a storm, but found him in stillness, Moses found Him in a burning bush and Joseph in his dreams. Acts 3:20-21 reminds us: “That times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.”

Some people consistently search for happiness, yet never find it. But, perhaps the greatest happiness of all is much closer at hand than expectations. If we feel happier within, we can create a barrier against the tribulations of life. We may become more productive in prayer, stress or anxiety won’t hinder our ambitions or goals in life. Moreover, if we believe that we are happy inside, then the chances are that we probably will be. Groucho Marx, an American comedian and actor once remarked: “I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, and I’m going to be happy in it.” Philippians 4:11-13 confirms: “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”