Hi. I need some input from fellow Catholics that, hopefully, understand theology a bit better than I do.
This is something I've been struggling with lately and I can't seem to find the right doctrine/theology/whatever to figure this out.
I mean, something about the statement "God doesn't care if you're happy" just seems fundamentally flawed.
But we hear things that aren't true all the time. ("God's timing is perfect.")
I know that Jesus says God provides for the birds, and they're just birds, so obviously he'll care about us (rough translation). But does that just mean basic necessities?
Look at poor Job. He put up with a lot and he was still expected to worship God and be "happy." So, is that what God's version of happiness is all about? Grin and bear and be happy that
maybe when you die you'll join me in heaven? Or you should just be happy and thankful for what I give you?
Goodness knows the saints are perfect examples of this -- your life really sucked but that's what was supposed to make you happy about it. Or how about all that self-inflicted physical pain that some people put themselves through (can't think of the proper term right now, sorry).
The point being, I suppose, is that I don't see where God necessarily tells us he wants us to be happy. Or that we're going to be happy.
"Everything happens for a reason." "It's all in God's plan."
I just don't understand/get that he would really care about the details of our life. I don't see any justification that everything happens for a reason, that God really has a plan for each of us and individuals, or that "happiness" is part of the deal.
More like, you get what you get so just feel blessed that it could be worse. (Which, I suppose, is basically true.)
And if that is true, I'm having a really hard time doing just that.
So, please, tell me where I'm going wrong here. (Yes, I just invited you to tell me I'm wrong.
)