Faith in the frenzy: Happiness

Martha Washington once said “I’ve learned that the greater part of happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances”.

Now granted, our circumstances are often very likely to thwart bubbling happiness. A grief; a diagnosis; false accusation; injustice; heartache; conflict; war; debt … however it is our disposition when after the initial human response period has passed, which does in fact dictate our ongoing potential for happiness and peace.

Each one of us would more than likely resort to some form of horror, shock or despair at unexpected and extremely challenging circumstances but it is the ability to then dig deep and tap into the bedrock of truth in our faith which gives that propulsion forward into growth, maturity, wisdom and acceptance. This can then lead to that peace we are told about in God’s word (so therefore it’s true) beyond human comprehension (Phil 4v7). Our dispositions change, becoming ones of light and happiness despite circumstances.

As Paul stated so simply to the Christian’s at Philippi … he was not at all worried about his circumstances but had learned within any given situation, to be content. There’s a inner peace needed when you’re content, truly content. It breeds a serenity and poise which elevates that person to a higher plane no matter how destitute their condition may seem to others looking on.

I’ve quoted before “Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in difficulties” (CS Lewis). I know having peace within doesn’t mean happiness without, but it does give a perspective from the divine. A knowledge of God’s working within will be noticeable externally and almost tangibly flow out to others … no doubt cascading an uplifting effect to any in its wake.

Let us prayerfully be those who despite the cares of this world, can trust that our God is big enough and cares enough to uphold us, give us peace and love through our circumstance so that others see that same love in our eyes for them and their own challenges. Let us be light, bright enough to dispel darkness.

Lord let me be your hands and feet

To show your love and mercy

Your wisdom and your tender heart

To everyone I meet.

Ingrid x

I’ve been struck recently by the emerging spring blossoms, their variety in both colour and shape; some are huge bombs of tightly knit bright pink flowers, making a bold statement of declaration, whilst others are whimsical in their seeming fragility, almost apologetic with their pale white feathery smallness.

At the same time, my lawn is covered in daisies and dandelions ... weeds. Imagine that for example, the first time you ever saw a dandelion was when on holiday somewhere sunny, happy, vibrant, exotic ... let’s say Hawaii, ... I wager that we would all be taking photos of the humble and sometimes annoying flower, splashing them onto social media, describing their bright sunny disposition, using them as adornment and reveling in the fact that the locals could even make drinks and medicine out of them!

You’ll know from previous posts that I love bluebells. This past Sunday after a morning church service, I had the immense privilege of being escorted around an ancient, private woodland by the owner himself. The history and beauty of the whole place, but especially the carpet of bluebells, was spellbinding. The gentleman concerned simply remarked with a wry smile, that he treated them with a benevolent neglect.

I am no horticulturist or botanist, in fact I’m always quite surprised when my plants, flowers and produce grow well ... but I do appreciate the variety in nature throughout the seasons. It’s good to stop and take notice of both what’s underfoot, around us and above us in the branches. So what am I getting at? When did a daisy stop being a wildflower and become a weed? To me it’s still a wildflower, but I expect most of us don’t tend to appreciate it as much as we would do a primrose peeking out from a mossy bank, or a cornflower poking its head up on the edge of a field. A wildflower is simply one which has not been genetically manipulated.

Do you sometimes feel like that big, bold blossom and then within the same week, feel like a weed? I do. I can also feel like I’m of use and have a purpose, like many wildflowers are and then just as quickly, feel like a pest which most likely could do with being dug up and discarded. I can feel like I’m a part of something majestic and striking, like the bluebell carpet, then flip to being a stinging nettle within a short period of time. The fickleness of humanity huh! It’s a jolly good job God did the creating and gave seasons, order and purpose.

That’s the point. There is beauty in everything created because God created it. Humans have disturbed, destroyed, diluted, manipulated and poisoned far too much of what God considered ‘good’, and yet there is still so much simple beauty to see.

You are beautiful. You have a purpose. You have worth and value. You are noticed and needed. Do not rely on your feelings or other humans to dictate your true worth, because just like going from a wildflower to a weed, your inner perspective and stability will waver and be tossed about depending on far too many factors. The only factor you need to consider is God's perspective of you ... it is unchanging, reliable, just and secure. With seeking validity and significance from other humans, we will never be satisfied ... we're all flawed so how on earth can we give the rooted foundation of true worth when we're so often struggling with the same issues ourselves?

No matter whether you are more like the dandelion or the apple blossom, you are still magnificent and intently loved. No need to worry about how you look or what to wear ... remember “look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers ... he will certainly care for you” (Matt 6v28-30). Isn’t that a lovely promise to hide in our hearts?

So please, go forth and ponder the flowers around you, from blossoms to weeds and everything in between! See yourself in them and know that God sees beauty in you. He created you just to be you and cares for you more than He does for those flowers. Whether something is deemed a weed or worth taking pride of place in a brides bouquet is often just down to perspective and maybe the fashion / fad of the season. Don’t let circumstances, social pressure, age, ethnicity, disability, clothing labels or wrinkles determine your beauty ... let God, because He’s the only one to truly get it right. He sees the inner beauty which is far more precious than any temporary, external fix. Here’s Peter talking in his direct way about it:

“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God” (1 Peter 3v3-4).

Ingrid x

P.S. Is this shorter than previous midweek posts? I’m trying I promise! I tend to just go with the moment and write without stopping ... I know I really am a rambler!