There is not a person on earth that does not crave
happiness. We explore many different venues to provide us with happiness, only
to find that they are ultimately empty shells of promise. We change our
circumstances often, trying to find happiness. We blame our unhappiness on the
people, places and things in our life. Then, we eventually turn to addictions
in an attempt to fill our needs, or to anesthetize the pain of not finding it.
In this materialistic world, we believe the commercials,
soap operas and sitcoms. We endeavor to recreate what we see there. We desire
instant gratification and we do not want to work for success. We lack
self-control and we want everything handed to us. Eventually, we end up
crushed, disillusioned, hopeless and depressed. Our body and soul are sick and
we wallow in self-pity and misery.
What is true happiness and where does it come from? True
happiness cannot be bought, traded, measured or obtained in this world. True
happiness is found only in Jesus Christ. He teaches us contentment and He
provides for all of our needs. He gives us victory in the spiritual warfare
that pervades our life on this earth (Ephesians 6:10-20). He
gives us His glorious joy, which defies human logic (1 Peter
1:7-9; Acts 2:28).
Our happiness has its foundation in our salvation (Luke
10:20). Even in times of mourning, He turns our sorrow to joy (John
16:20; Psalm 51:12). The more we put our trust in God, the happier our
life becomes (Psalm 32:21). As our heart trusts only in
Him, we are secure in Christ as our strength, protection and provision. He
helps us to succeed, and this fills our heart with songs of joyous praise (Psalm
28:7). The more we seek Him, the more our heart rejoices (Psalm
105:3).
God’s Words in the Bible also give us peace in this world
of unrest. Jesus already overcame the world, and He lives in us; therefore we
can live with cheerful optimism (Colossians 1:27; John 16:33). We are
happy when we follow God’s will for our life and obey His precepts (Psalm
94:12). As we trust Him to work out all things, even the negative
aspects of life, for our good, we find true and abundant happiness (Proverbs
16:20; Romans 8:28).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to earth as a man to save
me from my sinful lifestyle. Teach me to know You (John
17:3). Bring me into a right relationship with You (Psalm
51:10). Forgive me for all of my faults and failures (James
5:16). Birth Your nature in me (2 Peter 1:4). I
believe in You and I want to live my life for You (Acts
16:31). When I am afraid to give control of my life over to you,
teach me to trust in Your faithfulness (Jeremiah 29:11). I want
to believe in You, but please assure me and rid me of my doubts (Mark
9:24). Lead me into a deeper union with You throughout the rest of my life (1
Corinthians 6:17).
Thought for the Day:
Happiness does not depend on material possessions,
circumstances or relationships, because it only comes from our deep union with
Jesus Christ. – John 17:22