Can I be happy when I have nothing materially?

Habakkuk 3:17-18Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

Yes—here Habakkuk describes an utter stripping of material prosperity and then concludes that still he will find joy in the Lord.

Proverbs 13:7Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.

Material riches can bring spiritual poverty. Material poverty can bring spiritual riches. We can have both types of riches, but we should watch out if we are materially “blessed,” lest our blessing become a curse.

Matthew 6:19-21“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

True happiness comes from the confident assurance that everything truly valuable is waiting for us in heaven. We can hoard material possessions here on earth and have little waiting for us in heaven, or we can send our wealth on ahead as eternal treasure by obeying and serving God and others right now.