True Happiness, by Meriqua Whyte

Many have no aim or purpose for their life, and so they are living a purposeless life. Because of this, many teenagers are engaging in unacceptable behaviors such as: drinking, taking drugs, having sex before marriage, being disobedient and rebellious toward their parents and others in authority, joining up with gangs and partaking of their evil deeds, and committing senseless crimes.

Many teenagers base their happiness on the happenings. That is, if their parents give in to their every beck and call they are happy, but if their parents say no, they are sad. If they have a splashing birthday party they are happy, but if they get nothing on their birthday, they are sad. If it is sunshiny outside they are happy, but if it is rainy and overcast they are sad. These teenagers get all excited and all geared up for a big event such as a football game, prom night, or a trip to Six Flags or Disney World, but once the event is over their spirits and attitudes drop to one of sadness and depression. These teenagers are living their lives based on the happenings of the day. One day they are up; the next day they are down. Such a life is not a genuinely happy one.

There are several reasons for this lack of consistent happiness.

• We do not set goals and plan for another event after the current event we are involved in is over. So, when the current event we are involved in is over, we are left wondering, well, what do I do now? Always remember: all events are temporary, meaning, they do not go on forever. One way to combat this "let-down" feeling is to have more than one goal set, and as soon as you accomplish one goal, begin working on another one. These goals can be something as simple as reading a book or cleaning out your closet. Never run out of things to do.

• We are seeking happiness in the wrong places and from the wrong people. Going to the mall, a football game or to the movies will not give you genuine, long lasting happiness. Trying to be like Michael Jordon will not bring you genuine, long lasting happiness.

• We do not keep ourselves busy. Never have a down time. Always have something good and positive to do. Always keep a good book with you. Why? So that you can read and keep your mind occupied during any free time you may have.

Abraham Lincoln said: "People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." In other words, you determine your own happiness. If your day does not turn out as you planned for it to be, you can still be happy. If your parents have to chastise you physically or even verbally, you can still be happy. If you fail at something, you can still be happy. You, by your actions and your attitude, determine the degree of your happiness.

The Bible tells us how we can have true and lasting happiness:

"He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he."

"Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord."

"Blessed (or happy) is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."

Jesus Christ is the beginning of true happiness. If you have asked Jesus Christ to be your Saviour, that is the beginning of your happiness as a teenager. Your continual obedience to Him is what will determine the continuation of your happiness.

So, teenager, happiness is only a prayer away, and you determine your daily level of happiness by the choices you make throughout the day--to walk in obedience to God's Word, or to go the route of disobedience.

Let's Not Forget:

• Genuine happiness does not depend on the happenings of the day.
• Always keep busy.
• Plan ahead for another event after the present event is over.

Meditate On This:

"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."