By: Pastor Richard Barta

Often we seek the mountaintops to find pleasure, happiness and meaning, purpose in life. We seek the mountaintop to seek refuge from the things which hinder our pursuit of a good life, a life that includes much joy and happiness.

A mountain top experience is, preferred to the valley, for we think we will be inspired and refreshed since we have a better view of the beauty surrounding us, a panoramic view, despite knowing there is few lilies that grow on the mountain top. In fact the choicest fruit and vast array of flowers usually flourish in the valley.

Philosophers have pondered what happiness really means. Where can you find it? Poets, songwriters emphasize in their compositions of poems and music. Moviemakers exploit it. Various drugs may give one a wellness feeling, called a rush. Across the centuries, happiness has been sought after, and seems out of reach for many.

A Boston born psychologist, Michael Fordyce said, “It occurred to me that happiness is the ultimate goal in life, and everything we do is just a way to get there.” He went on to say, “A thing to remember is that happiness is a way to travel through life, not a place to arrive.”

All walk in the common paths of life, yet, many never seem to experience a lasting stable, firm, and everlasting happiness that over shadows the many highs and lows we may experience in life. Why? Is it because we’re always searching for it on the mountaintops and not in the valley.

Many of us base our happiness upon circumstances, yet we know circumstances can change without a moments notice, and so our happiness goes. Many of us, today, feel that the key to happiness is found in wealth, possessions, money and other pleasure desires, nor, is it always found on the mountaintop. Material things are for but a season. Riches and circumstances do not, in themselves, bring happiness and peace. Luke 12:16-21, “The parable of the rich fool.”

God is telling us to, “Go down, dwell on the plain, dig in the vale of the shadow and you will find, gushing forth to renew the inner life of the soul, the sweet waters of joy and peace.” Psalm 23 says, “Even though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Do you fear calamity? You are only human if you do. But have you considered the Apostle Paul? In shipwrecks, in adversities, in distresses, physical abuse, in persecutions and in threat of death by wild beasts; in all these, he rejoiced in his God. He was more than victorious. He was given a supernatural joy in the midst of all his distress. You may have it.

God says, “Seek my wisdom, and make it the guide of your life. Let the winds blow and storms beat. Your house shall stand.”