Many people think that, to enjoy life, one should have everything that he wish. But it is a fact that people who have everything in life as per the human standards are not happy in their life. They sometimes feel that all they have is useless and the life itself is meaningless.
Only a person who is joyful ( happy) can enjoy the life. Joy is not in things, but within us. Many people become sad when they lose something, but there are few people who are happy even in the midst of problems, because their joy is within them and not in what they have.
Joy is one of the greatest medicine which keeps a man healthy. A joyful mind can cure many diseases and is capable of bringing many abnormal conditions to normal.
Why we can not be happy always?
1. Unsatisfied mind: We need to be contented with what we have. If we have resources for our daily needs, it is sufficient for a happy living. We need to understand our capacity, strengths, weakness, shortcomings, our needs and necessities before we set our desires. Aspiring anything beyond our capacity will lead us to despair and dissatisfaction which can take away our joy.
2. Comparison with others: This is one of the most dreadful behavior which ruins many individuals and families. Our neighbors or friends may be having many things. We do not need them all. Never compare yourself with others' as it may not give you happiness. Each person is unique and their needs are also unique. Thus it is always advisable to look to our own self and life to lead a joyful life. Try to see people who live in a lower standard than you, who are struggling for their livelihood and shelter. There are millions of people who are below poverty line, and we are much better than them and should be happy in our state. Enjoy your own life, without comparing with others.
3. Ungrateful heart: We should be thankful to God and men always. Whatever we have in life are the blessings of God and we should be thankful to God for it. It is a human tendency to forget people who helped us in the past. A thankful heart will not complain and will be joyful always.
4. Ignorance of our hope: Human life is short and uncertain. We do not know what will happen tomorrow. Many people live for tomorrows and forget to live today. Jesus said, " Do not be anxious about tomorrow"- Matthew 6:25. "Today" is the most precious and unique gift of God and try to lead a joyful life. People work hard, do overtime, eat little, spend nothing and gather for tomorrows. But they forget to live and lead a joyful life and regret at the evenings of their life, the later part of the life. Live a joyful life today as you do not know what will happen tomorrow.
We have a life after death. Life in this world is only a rehearsal. We need to prepare for the real eternal life. When we think about the eternal life, all sorrows are nothing and we can rejoice even in our sorrows. Always direct your thoughts to those truths that will give you confidence, hope, joy, love, thanksgiving, and turn away your mind from those that discourage you with fear, sadness and depression.
Bible says, " Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, hold on to good, avoid every kind of evil, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22." Rejoice in the LORD always" - Philippians 4:4.