by With so many in this world that are struggling with happiness, there is one constant source that anyone can depend upon for joy. Yet with all of the external issues that are going on today, having an internal sense of happiness can be challenged. Finding happiness in God is a decision that is based upon an eternal perspective of life. Repentance is the key!
With a relationship with God, we can find happiness in three specific places: God’s Presence, His Word, and His actions. But first, in his famous book The Power of Positive Thinking, Norman Vincent Peale includes a chapter entitled, “How to Create Your Own Happiness.”
“Who decides whether you shall be happy or unhappy?” he asks. “The answer—you do!”
Peale then relates a conversation he had with a couple over dinner in a railway dining car during a trip. The woman was expensively dressed in furs, diamonds, and an expensive dress. But she seemed to be having a most unpleasant time with herself. Rather loudly she declared that the car was dingy and drafty, the service bad, the food terrible.
Her husband, in contrast, was genial, affable, easy-going, and pleasant. During dinner, Peale asked the man what business he was in. He said he was a lawyer, then he added, “My wife is in the manufacturing business.”
This was surprising, for she did not seem to be the industrial or executive type. So Peale asked, “What does she manufacture?” “Unhappiness,” replied the man. “She manufactures her own unhappiness.”
An icy chill descended over the table, but, reflecting on the conversation later, Dr. Peale wrote, “I was grateful for his remark, for it describes exactly what so many people do—they manufacture their own unhappiness.** Norman Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking (New York: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1952), 63–64.
Unfortunately, people will often try to find happiness in the things of this world. Yet, with rapid transitions that happen, not to mention world crisis situations, there are few sources of happiness. However, when people return to their creator, they find the true source of happiness. Finding happiness in God begins with a commitment to serve Him.
For more information on serving the Lord: CLICK HERE!
Finding Happiness in God begins in three specific places:
Finding Happiness in God’s Presence
For the believer, there is nothing that compares to being in the presence of God. We recognize that God is with us at all times and that alone brings great comfort. Additionally, there are times that we become even more sensitive to him, like at church or in prayer.
The benefit of being sensitive to His presence also makes us aware of His heart and plan for our lives. The Psalmist said to God, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 (ESV) This reminds us that we need to quiet our spirits and remind ourselves of His availability in our lives.
He longs for us to come to Him in humility and be available to hear and know Him more. In turn, he provides all of the spiritual blessings we need in our lives to find joy. The Psalmist also said of God, “For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence.” Psalm 21:6 (ESV)
Finding Happiness in God’s Word
For those who long to find true happiness in life, they have a need to know the plans that God has for us. Fulfilling the purpose which God created for us, gives meaning to the day-to-day. Our prayer should always be: “Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.” Psalm 119:35 (ESV)
Many believe that God is hard in His expectations for our lives. His word is full of instruction for how to live life in holiness according to His statutes. Yet, there is no one who has a greater understanding of what is best for us, than our creator. “For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being,” Romans 7:22 (ESV)
Finding Happiness in God’s Actions
Finally, believers can find true happiness in watching and being involved with the actions of God. He is constantly at work in our world today, leading people into a right relationship with Him. Additionally, he is providing for His followers the miracles necessary for accomplishing His will for our lives.
It must be the desire for every believer to find out what God is doing and get in the middle of it. Only then will l they truly find a purpose beyond themselves. They will also find the happiness that primarily comes from being involved with God for Kingdom purposes.
The church in the book of Acts understood the assignment that Jesus gave in the book of Matthew. The Great Commission. So when people were led in committing their lives to the Lord, it was a source of happiness for all. “And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” Acts 13:48 (ESV)
Conclusion
There will be little in this world that can provide true happiness. Yet, our relationship with God provides the fullness of happiness because He is our everything. In Him alone, is everything that we need to complete our mission and find wholeness through Him. It really does begin with a relationship with Christ!
It begins with Christ!
If you don’t know Christ as your savior, it all begins with the first step. Committing your life to serve Him is the greatest decision you will make in your life! Finally, for more information on serving the Lord: CLICK HERE!
Thank you for reading, Finding Happiness in God!
Blessings,
Chad
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