Happiness, we have it one moment – the day is sunny, we just bought a new car, new house, new boat. But the next day (or hour) storm clouds creep in. The new car gets a dent. The house has plumbing problems, the boat engine has an oil leak.

Next we depend on other people for our happiness – our parents, when we are young, a girl or boy friend later in life, or a husband or wife. Again when things are going well, we are happy but as soon the relationship hits a snag, we get discouraged.

A third area in which we look for happiness is goals. We set goals for ourselves and work to achieve them. If only we could have that better job – then things would be better. When we get the job, we find that it is not the answer. Then we set another goal, and so it goes!

Don’t Depend on Things that Change

As long as we depend on things that change to make us happy, we will never achieve the happiness we seek. We need to find something/someone who doesn’t change – that we can always count on! Hebrews 13:8 says “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday today and forever.” Following God brings  happiness, the fulfillment we have been seeking.

How can we lean on Christ and look to Him for our happiness?

When we accept Christ into our lives and ask forgiveness for our sins, He starts cleaning us up. He helps us to forget the things we did wrong. He helps us forgive ourselves and stop blaming ourselves and others.

We feel that a burden has lifted off us. We feel lighter, happier. We start to understand Christ’s love for us, start to trust Him and look forward to His work in our lives.

The Key to Happiness

My mother had a Bible scripture that she often quoted. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all else will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) This means if you look to God for answers and seek Him first, He will provide everything else. This is one of His myriad promises documented in the Bible.

He promises us freedom from worry over health, over finances, freedom from fears – fear of sickness, death, loss of job, freedom from the hurts of the past.

Once you start seeing the promises and trusting His Word, you no longer will struggle for answers. By knowing God’s Word and by letting His Holy Spirit direct your steps, you can be free. You no longer need to be led by constantly changing circumstances or what is going on around you.

Peace to most people means to be surrounded by peaceful circumstances. But God’s peace does not depend on circumstances; it is peace despite what is going on around us. Even with total confusion around you, you can be peaceful, confident, happy, knowing that He will take care of you. It is the peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)

Let us pray.

Dear Heavenly Father:

I have had many ups and downs in my life.
I have looked for happiness in the things of this world
And none of them has satisfied me.

Help me to receive Your wisdom through Your Word and Holy Spirit.
Help me to trust that You, my Heavenly Father, know what is best for me.
I want that peace that passes all understanding.

I know You have a plan for me and I want to be in the center of Your plan.
I ask for Your blessing and direction in all that I do.

I ask these things in Jesus’ name!

AMEN!

 DLH  –  July 4, 1986