Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)
Feelings can lay us flat, Amen? They must not dictate our lives or we will end up joyless. We are not to give them great prominence as the center of our beings. If we want a contentment that is beyond description – a supreme joy – we must seek the Master. We must pursue His righteousness. For it is only through Jesus and seeking Him Himself that we discover this Pearl of great price. The adversary seeks to lay a heavy weight on our feelings – giving them priority in our lives. Feelings come and go and are as whimsical and unpredictable as the wind – keeping us stirred up, unhappy in our circumstances. Whenever we place our sights on ourselves we are on a slippery slope down. But when we put in the center of our lives the only One Who has the right to be there – our eyes off of us and on to Him – we find joy, contentment, peace and rest. As we seek His face and His kingdom all other things are added unto us as well.
When we pursue the Lord Jesus there is no need to worry about our own happiness and joy. Because in Him is fullness of joy and only in Him. It is never Jesus plus anything else. It is Christ alone. As we go to Him for His sufficiency and strength it is seeking first the Kingdom of God and all other things will be added unto us as well. There is no need to worry about our happiness or joy as He is that to us along with our perfect peace. When we continually pursue righteousness and holiness, happiness is thrown in. People filled with the joy of Jesus are the most winsome and wooing to be around, Amen? His presence shines forth in them. They are truly happy people. Remember, feelings are the caboose of the train not the engine. Pursue righteousness and peace and the feelings will undoubtedly follow. We are to hunger and thirst for righteousness - not happiness – but as we do the joyful feelings will come. As we seek righteousness we find our Lord’s presence which leads to our happiness.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)