B3HAPPY 01.29.25

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.’”

-Philippians 4:4-5 CSB

A few days ago I was leaving the gym and as soon as I walked out the door and made the turn to walk towards the parking lot I saw this brand new Corvette…it was niiiice! As I was checking it out I noticed that the front license plate read “B3HAPPY” and my immediate thought was, “Yeaaaaa I’d B3HAPPY too if I had a brand new Corvette!” Instead I’m walking towards my 10 year old SUV that’s got a dent or three in it and a plethora of other issues that I’ll go ahead and just list out for you…a couple of weeks ago my step dad & I replaced the thermostat thingy that reads the temperature of the oil, some sort of pump valve, replaced a headlight and oh, the icing on this little 10 year old car cake…drum roll pleeassseee…I had to take it to the automotive place so they could fix an oil leak and replace all six spark plugs. 😂 

Then God ever so gently brought me back down to earth. Material things only bring us temporary happiness, and in my car case, frustration. He reminded me that even in the midst of the temporary feelings of happiness, frustration, anger, sadness, uncertainty, etc., etc. they’re just that: TEMPORARY. In the moment it’s hard to see it as just temporary, especially when things seem to happen back to back. It almost feels like you’re never going to catch a break. And as soon as one issue popped up with my car, another one came up and another one. When it rains it pours, am I right?! I started feeling so defeated with everything that needed to be fixed. But guess what? I have a car that runs like an absolute champ now! 

When we place our hope in Jesus, we get to experience JOY. Joy isn’t tethered to what happens to us, but what happens within us. It’s a deeper feeling where our souls are genuinely content and cannot be shaken by external occurrences, good or bad. I needed this reminder as I walked by this shiny new car. That no matter what may bring me a moment of happiness or something that causes a minor (or major) inconvenience, that I can still face these things with JOY. 

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, I am so glad that I don’t have to allow what happens to me or around me sway the joy I have rooted  in You. When life gets rough and feels uncertain, or when I experience a fleeting moment of happiness and feel like I need to go find the next temporary happiness fix, keep reminding me that my everlasting joy is found in You. In a world of uncertainty, chaos and temporary happiness, You remain steadfast and consistent. Thank you for being my rock and firm foundation.

In Jesus name I pray.

Amen.

KEY VERSES

Psalm 16:11 |  John 15:11

John 16:22 | Psalm 4:7