We Were Not Created To Be Happy!

The last two Wednesday night's at Bible Study, Mrs. Laurel has been talking about marriage. That is a weird topic for someone like me, who is divorced and single. I do hope to be remarried one day though, so I went and took plenty of notes.

This whole topic is what jumped out at me last night.

A LOT of marriages end because someone "Isn't happy." 

Well, guess what? You weren't created to be happy anyway! 

Mrs. Laurel said, "Happiness is a by product of what God created us to BE, not DO. When you make happiness your purpose, you don't feel like it's enough once you reach it."

Happiness is based on circumstances. That's why it doesn't last. It can go away quickly.

For example, maybe you want a new rug for your home, or new shoes, or to be a certain weight, or to have your hair a certain way, or spicy Chic-Fil-A nuggets, or the latest tech gadget.... you just KNOW you'll be happy when that happens. Right?

Wrong!

Once you get whatever it is you think will make you happy, you almost immediately start thinking about the next thing that will make you happy.

What we should be striving for is JOY!

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. Joy is actually already inside of you if you are a Christ follower. It's not one of the things that God gives to certain people. Gifts and fruits of the Spirit are two different things.

In my Christine Caine devotional book "Living Life Undaunted" today, she listed 10 things backed up with Scripture that are the keys to living for God, and I believe the way to have a joyful life.

1. Stay focused on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:2)

2. Draw near to Jesus. (Hebrews 10:22)

3. Hold fast the confession of our hope. (Hebrews 10:23)

4. Stay confident in Christ. (Hebrews 10:35)

5. Pray (James 5:16)

6. Listen to the right voices. (Romans 10:17)

7. Remember God's faithfulness thus far. (Joshua 4:7)

8. Remain steadfast. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

9. Remain generous. (Proverbs 11: 24-25)

10. Be thankful. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

These 10 ways of living will help us stay focused on what's important and not get distracted by our circumstances.

Like I always say, bad things happen to good people. Not because God causes it, but because we live in a fallen sinful world, and because we have an enemy in this world.

I hope and pray that you will receive what I'm saying with this. I believe someone needs it. 

God loves you and He wants to help you get through the junk. He's right there.

God bless you today and always.