Your Happy Place

31 Days of Courageous Hope - Day 22

Thursday - July 22nd

Scripture to Read Today: Philippians 4:11-13

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I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances.

Philippians 4:11

Sixty-six years ago this month, Disneyland opened. "The Happiest Place on Earth" was one of the quietest places on earth for over a year due to COVID. Reports throughout the pandemic suggested the park's more than 200 feral cats roamed with uninhibited and complete freedom. People now fill both Disneyland and California Adventure.

Our family has enjoyed our share of good memories at Disney World in Orlando and at Disneyland in Anaheim. Since Walt Disney opened Disneyland on July 17, 1955, the Disney theme parks have done an incredible job of creating a setting and atmosphere where happy memories can be made. While Walt Disney died eleven years after Disneyland opened and over seven years before Disney World opened, his widow, Lillian, said her husband would have been thrilled with the happiness both parks brought to so many.

We often link our happiness to a place, certain people, or specific circumstances. That is why a theme park can create an image of the "Happiest Place on Earth." And it is not just Disney that promises happiness in its products and services. McDonald's delivers its "happy meals." A few years back, a Fast Company article listed several major companies that promised happiness in one or more major marketing campaigns. The well-known companies they listed were Apple, Starbucks, Target, JetBlue, BMW, eBay, and Trader Joe's.

True happiness and satisfaction never come through a fantastic product or an incredible service. No matter where you are. No matter what you have or do not have. No matter who is or isn't with you. You can have deep happiness, joy, and satisfaction. The Apostle Paul, from a lonely Roman jail, told the Philippian church that he was satisfied and was content because of Christ. In Philippians 4:11, he said, "I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances."

Maybe you have enjoyed a good day at Disneyland. The best day at Disney can't replace the contentedness offered to us in the Lord. No product can. Nothing can.

Paul explained that the key for us is keeping our hearts and eyes centered on Jesus - not the stuff of this world. Paul's contentedness, in any circumstance, even while in jail, was found in his relationship with the Lord. Where do you look for your happiness? Where do you find your satisfaction? As a follower of Christ, look to your Savior for your happiness and satisfaction today. Let your happy place be found in Jesus!

The "Happiest Place on Earth" may promise happiness, but only Christ delivers it!

Today’s Prayer:

Thank you Lord for places like Disneyland where kids and families can have fun. Thank you for products and services I enjoy in our modern world. Convict me if I find my happiness in these sources rather than in Jesus. May my joy be rooted in your Son, not the amusements and luxuries of our day. -Amen