Happiness is not a warm gun

John Lennon once sang the following lyric, “Happiness is a warm gun”. It is odd that a warm gun took his life isn’t it? Happiness eludes many people. My wife and I were discussing this yesterday and I related to her that when I was young and had pretty much reached the ‘bottom of the barrel’, I had on more than one occasion contemplated suicide. I had in fact held a loaded and cocked revolver to my head on two occasions. My grandfather committed suicide and so did my brother. What a tragedy it would have been for my father to experience the death of both of his sons through suicide.

My wife said she did not understand how anyone could do such a thing and I told her that was because she had never really been unhappy and depressed. She has experienced moments of sadness when friends or relatives have died or on other occasions, but has otherwise led a sheltered life and has had little reason to be unhappy for prolonged periods of time. She is truly blessed of God in that regard. I would categorize her as a genuinely happy person particularly these days as she spends her time being a doting grandmother.

I am happy now too. I attribute my happiness to God. Prior to God being in my life I was miserable, unhappy and suicidal and now I am happy; it isn’t rocket science to understand that God is the difference. Having been on both sides of the fence makes it easier for me than my wife or someone else who has never experienced it to understand. Unfortunately many of those who are depressed do not want to hear about God or anyone else’s successes in achieving happiness. It is a ‘dangerous’ period of time and suicidal people should not be left alone no matter how much they may lash out at those around them. I would urge anyone who is dealing with a family member or acquaintance in this condition to take them seriously and seek professional help. Also notify your pastor and ask them to speak to them.

Too many folks who are deeply mired in a depressive state mistakenly believe that happiness might just be found through a warm gun and they believe that they ‘just get it all over with’ when they pull the trigger. Satan is the author of that lie and if Jesus is not in their life he will lay claim to their soul forever when the trigger does get pulled.

Happiness is available to those who love God and obey His commands. Divorce, alcohol, drugs, sexual immorality, pornography, excessive gambling, and all of the other things that intensify unhappiness are straight out of Hell. Even tremendous financial stress or whatever else that might lead you to unhappiness can be taken in stride when you are walking with God and put your faith in Him and not in the world. I have a little card under the glass on my desk at work. It states, “Don’t follow the world – Follow Jesus Christ. Take it from me – Been there done that! – Take that advice and happiness will be yours…

1 Cor.2:
Eye has not seen, nor ear
heard,
Nor have entered into the heart
of man
The things which God has
prepared for those who love
Him.