True Happiness
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
Proverbs 16:20
We spend a vast amount of our resources seeking happiness. Not only do we commit our financial assets but our time and relationships in search of finding happiness. Sadly, we often don't really know what we are looking for. How do you define happiness? Is it the largest house, the fastest car, the most exotic clothing or the latest electronic gadget? Realistically, each of these are much like us - they have a limited lifespan and can only provide a limited duration of happiness. Houses deteriorate, cars become old and worn, clothes go out of style and electronics are surpassed almost weekly. No wonder the goals we seek for happiness leave us empty and unfulfilled once we acquire them.
If we actually look at the dictionary's definition of happiness, you will see a key word: contentment. Most of the elusive items we seek for happiness have no ability to provide contentment. However, Paul states inPhilippians 4:11 that he has learned to be content in whatever state of life he may be currently residing. But how can we be content? Jesus tells us in John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. When we have the peace of the Holy Ghost, we have a peace not of this world. Likewise, the contentment that comes with this peace is not of this world. If we are seeking true happiness, we must look outside this world - to God's love.
True happiness and contentment can only be obtained by one method - having Christ in our lives. As such, we will have peace and contentment no matter what our state in life may offer.
Proverbs 16:20
We spend a vast amount of our resources seeking happiness. Not only do we commit our financial assets but our time and relationships in search of finding happiness. Sadly, we often don't really know what we are looking for. How do you define happiness? Is it the largest house, the fastest car, the most exotic clothing or the latest electronic gadget? Realistically, each of these are much like us - they have a limited lifespan and can only provide a limited duration of happiness. Houses deteriorate, cars become old and worn, clothes go out of style and electronics are surpassed almost weekly. No wonder the goals we seek for happiness leave us empty and unfulfilled once we acquire them.
If we actually look at the dictionary's definition of happiness, you will see a key word: contentment. Most of the elusive items we seek for happiness have no ability to provide contentment. However, Paul states inPhilippians 4:11 that he has learned to be content in whatever state of life he may be currently residing. But how can we be content? Jesus tells us in John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. When we have the peace of the Holy Ghost, we have a peace not of this world. Likewise, the contentment that comes with this peace is not of this world. If we are seeking true happiness, we must look outside this world - to God's love.
True happiness and contentment can only be obtained by one method - having Christ in our lives. As such, we will have peace and contentment no matter what our state in life may offer.
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