Kingdom Chat Week 24: The Pursuit of Happiness
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thes. 5:16-18 (ESV)
One of the most recognizable phrases in America’s Declaration of Independence is the claim that everyone has the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Do you live in pursuit of your own happiness? Many of us do. We naturally want to lead happy and fulfilled lives so we seek out things to help us get there. Perhaps we envision ourselves with that next job or house or relationship that would make us feel happier.
To be honest, you were not designed to pursue happiness by arranging your life circumstances just right. You may experience happy circumstances for a time, but it’s not guaranteed to last. Banking your happiness on what’s happening around you keep you riding a rollercoaster of emotions. Ironically, we sometimes want to find happiness by “getting in the will of God” with thoughts like, “if I can just figure out where God wants me to be or what He wants me to do next, then I will finally thrive.” If you’re trying to get in God’s will, that is great! Start by practicing 1 Thes. 5:16-18. God’s will for you is to rejoice, pray and give thanks no matter what.
In summary, your happiness is found in a loving relationship with your God and nothing more. Focus your attention on the nature and character of God. Remember the grace that He has poured out and the sacrifice of His Son for us. Consider the deposit of His Spirit and the eternal life we carry now and that which is to come. You are vitally connected to the God of the universe now and forever. Now that’s enough to be happy about.
Are you happy in God? How do you keep rejoicing, praying and giving thanks no matter the situation?
- 5 Replies
Amazing and thought provoking piece @purposefaith . It reminds me of an old song that talks about seeking for love in all the wrong places. It is inherent in us to pursue what gives us happiness but unfortunately if these things are rooted in ephemeral items we only find ourselves looking for more. Just look at the so-called richest people in the world or even highly paid celebrities. Some are contemplating suicide and will give anything to have the peace from within. The bible says that the eyes of man is like a bottomless pit which never gets full. When we turn our eyes to Jesus and seek His own will for our lives, he rewards us with peace and contentment that is beyond usual human experience. Like Paul wrote to Timothy -Godliness with contentment is great gain.
I always guard my heart with the words óf Jesus “Speaking to the people, Jesus continued, “Be alert and guard your heart from greed and from always wishing for what you don’t have. For your life can never be measured by the amount of things you possess.”
Luke 12:15 TPT
So I know that whatever I have now, someone else had it before and others will also have it after me, so no need to put your joy in it but to use it with thanksgiving, knowing that if God gave me, He has better in store, so why would I replace the giver with the gift. I rather trust God and have contentment.
I personally look at the word of God to keep my peace and happiness. As I read His word, I am reminded of His goodness, plans and purposes for my life and that gets me excited about my future. For me, true happiness is a product of walking in the Spirit. By that I mean, as we yield ourselves and make fellowship with a priority, we are happier but if we go on without Him we find that our lives becomes sadder.
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