Does True Happiness Come From the Internal or External?
The biblical answer might surprise you.
If happiness comes from the external, focus on becoming as famous, wealthy, or powerful as possible. If happiness comes from the internal - then focus on becoming the best version of yourself as you can.
The Bible teaches that genuine happiness or joy doesn’t come from external circumstances - like your popularity, wealth, or power.
Neither does genuine happiness come from the internal - genuine happiness is not solely from within yourself.
What the Bible teaches
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13)
Paul said he had learned to be content regardless of his external circumstances - whether he had plenty or very little.
This contentment didn’t come from himself - he said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
His contentment with not based on external circumstances or internally within himself.
His contentment was because of Jesus Christ - who continued to strengthen him no matter what he faced.
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU." So we may boldly say: "THE LORD IS MY HELPER; I WILL NOT FEAR. WHAT CAN MAN DO TO ME?" (Hebrews 13:5-6)
You can be truly content and happy when Jesus Christ is your source of strength.