Are you searching for happiness? If so, you are not alone.
Many people are seeking relief from their desperately unhappy, frustrating, or hopeless condition. Frequently their situations cannot be reversed – whether it is unemployment, poverty, a broken marriage, relational conflicts, disability, or the death of a loved one.
It is true that we cannot prevent troublesome or sorrowful events from intruding into our lives. However, we can live heartily, joyfully, and considerately one day at a time. But we must rely on the power of choice and the resources of God if we are to discover such happiness.
We tend to chase that golden pot at the end of the rainbow, that something in the future that will bring us contentment. Hopefully, some new experience, some new success, some new relationship or some new degree of cooperation from the people around us will provide the happiness we seek. But we all know people – perhaps our own children, parents, or close friends – who have spent many years in pursuit of education, wealth, power, significant relationships, or religious experience. Their goal was a fulfilled, contented, productive life. But they ended up depressed, bitter, frustrated, or empty, with broken friendships and marriages. They didn’t learn to be content in their circumstances.
The pivotal point leading to joy, peace, and an abundant life is to love the Lord with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37). But this is a choice and commitment that must be renewed many times each day.
There will be many temptations along the way to draw you from your original commitment, but the Bible contains a reassuring promise: “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13, NIV).
Are you choosing to look beyond your current trials so you can focus on God’s goodness and blessings? Are you choosing to be content with what God has already given you instead of insisting He fulfill still another desire? Are you choosing to trust God or your own limited understanding? Enduring happiness is really only possible if you live life God’s way.
Everyone, every day, faces a multitude of choices. Your sense of self-respect, of loving yourself, depends upon making those choices within the framework of God’s commandments and His plan for your life!
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