Do unhappy moments/experiences serve a purpose or have a place in the Christian life?

Real Dudes,
Oftentimes we’re told that since we’re Christians we should never be unhappy…that we should always display the joy of the Lord that’s in our hearts. We’re convinced that being unhappy is selfish and self-centered. Well guess what, we’re still imperfect humans who do in fact experience unhappy moments. The question is, how do we choose to respond in those moments, and what can we learn and be reminded of while experiencing them? 
 
Michigan State Men’s Basketball Coach Tom Izzo was asked last year what he thought of the transfer portal in college sports. Izzo’s response and question was, 
“You know what,
what's wrong with being unhappy?
I'm unhappy most of my life.
Unhappy drives you.
Unhappy pushes you.
Unhappy makes people realize, 'You know what? I'm not good enough. I've got to get better.'"

Many of us respond differently to unhappiness when things don’t seem to be going our way. Think about it, how do you respond? Do you shut down? Do you give up? Do you attempt to run from your problem at hand? Or do you attempt to look for any area of your life that needs to be improved upon in order to make the situation better for yourself and for others around you? 
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We can choose to be miserable people, but we can also choose to be a pleasant and easy people to live with or be around? 
Listen, I’m not saying there’s never a time to leave a situation that’s proven to be too much for you to handle. I’m also not saying that we all have a license to be unhappy. And I’m not saying we shouldn’t pursue happiness in life. All I’m saying is that maybe sometimes our response to the situation can then affect our performance, happiness in life, and our relationships. The problem can often be that rather than looking within ourselves to see what we did or could do differently, or praying and asking God to reveal something that needs to change, we begin blaming outside personalities for the sole reason of our unhappiness…thus, displaying a bitter and miserable life. What if we could get to the point where we could resist running from the unhappy situation, and instead, choose to just be still, and ask God what He’s attempting to teach us in that moment. 

According to the following verses, what lessons can be learned during unhappy moments in life? What truths and promises can we be reminded of during unhappy moments?

• Psalm 34:18 (NLT) The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
• Psalm 30:5 (NLT) For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.
• Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT) All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
• John 16:33 (NLT) I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

These verses remind us that He is close…He is with us…He will help us…He will hold us up…He will comfort us. They remind us that weeping is temporary and joy comes in the morning, and that victory is found in Him. 
Men - Are we learning? Are we leaning into the truth and His promises? What are we doing with the unhappy moments in our lives? Looking back, what purpose do you now see that God had in allowing you to experience an unhappy moment/situation? Unhappiness made Tom Izzo realize something in his life…what is your unhappiness causing you to realize? 
Practicing His Presence,
Nate

Full Article: 
Tom Izzo chides 'unhappy' transfers, rips new NCAA portal rules - ESPN https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/38626090/tom-izzo-chides-unhappy-transfers-rips-new-ncaa-portal-rules ​