For many of us, happiness is the goal of living. In reality, we know that happiness is usually short lifted and it does not tie to moral consciousness. Happiness comes when we get what we want. But when one gets happiness from doing what is wrong it results in killing joy in the end.

The scriptures recorded a few instances when happiness killed the joy. The story of Amnon and Tamar is a classical one. Amnon was in love with his half-sister Tamar. Jonadab helped Amnon device a scheme to have them alone together where Amnon raped Tamar. Amnon got what he wanted but in 2 Samuel 13:15, the scripture told us that Amnon hatred Tamar exceedingly afterward. Why? We can only make wild guesses. Happiness quickly killed his joy.

The other story recorded was Judas Iscariot. He was with the Lord Jesus and witnessed how a life living for God was like. The 30 pieces of silver were between day's wages to a month's wages at most. Judas was willing to trade his master's life for such an amount (Zechariah 11:12-14 and Exodus 21:32). Shocking that maybe but I am sure Judas was first happy when he received the money. Soon after the happiness killed his joy. The amount once brings happiness started to ooze innocent blood.

In the beatitude, our Lord Jesus spoke about blessedness which is commonly known as, "happy is the one". It was revolutionary because the kingdom's happiness is not gain from gratification but eight or nine qualities not often pursued. We are to rejoice and be glad for them. Happiness here is somehow not just emotional but intentional. It is an attitude.

May we learn to pursue happiness in the manner God intended remembering that certain happiness kills joy. May we learn that life is so much more than happiness and every unhappy situation with God is meaningful. They are meaningful because God gives them meaning.