Inextinguishable Happiness

Our happiness here on earth is an indicator of how happy we will be in eternity. Eternal life in heaven is unquenchable happiness, and it begins right here.

Happiness is not the absence of pain and anguish, but the inextinguishable joy we receive in Jesus Christ. This is the joy of having “found ourselves” in Christ. This very joy is what Jesus displays on the Cross. Happiness is to be found in Christ crucified.

Jesus on the Cross is not overcome by sadness. He possesses an unshaken joy and peace because He is detached from wealth, power, pleasure and honour—the very things in which we often seek our happiness. Jesus has nothing to lose but only to gain, immeasurable gains.

What Jesus does on the Cross is grow out of Himself, surrendering Himself totally to the will of the Father and embracing what it takes to set His children free, so that they may be eternally happy.

To be happy, we must despise what Jesus despised on the Cross and love what Jesus loved on the Cross.

Jesus said, “If you want to be my disciple, take up your cross and follow me.” The happiest person is a disciple of Christ. The key to happiness is found in understanding how Jesus carried His Cross.

Jesus possessed an unshaken peace despite the visible pain, unbearable suffering, unreasonable abuse and mockery. His inner peace is evident from His reactions.

Look at Him!

He is calm. He is not provoked. He is resolved, and He is willing. He prays, “Father, may Your will be done.”

He is in control. No amount of affliction can take away the joy within Him. He is not seeking to be comforted; He is comforting us instead.

“Look, Mother, I make everything new,” He tells His mother. “Do not cry for me, but for yourselves and your children,” He reminds the sorrowing women of Jerusalem.

He not only unconditionally forgives His persecutors but intercedes for them before the Father: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” He wishes them well in the midst of His writhing pain.

He knows what He is doing.

He says to the thief crucified with Him, “You will be with me in paradise today.”

He does not curse anyone. He remains composed. His joy is inextinguishable.

On the Cross, He remains in constant dialogue with the Father. He is concerned about His duties. He entrusts His mother to His disciple John, and John, His youngest disciple, to His mother. He does everything according to His Father's will—nothing more, nothing less.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”