WILL I EVER BE HAPPY?
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
Have you ever had a new car? The experience of something brand new that’s yours can be awesome! You get to sit in the driver’s seat first. You get to blast the radio to your favorite song. The smell of a new car can be a lifetime memory. By the way, our strongest tie to memories is our sense of smell. Every time you get into a new car and the smell hits your nose, you get a high. You’re happy!
Eventually, the smell fades. The car gets dirty. You get a scratch on the door. Someone spills a drink in the passenger seat. You leave your gym bag with dirty clothes in the back seat. Your happiness begins to fade. To top it off, you still have a monthly payment. Ugh!
Some people experience buyer’s remorse. That new car smell is replaced with a cloud of discontent. We know it can’t stay new forever, yet we’re surprised at how quickly the happiness fades. What can we do to stay happy? Are we supposed to be happy in this life?
Yes, we can experience happiness, but it’s temporary. What we’re really after is joy. What’s the difference? Joy lasts. Why? Because God’s Spirit produces it. Joy is a source or cause of delight. Happy is an emotional state that changes.
I become happy, and then it changes. Joy is meant to stay because the source of our delight is Him, and He never leaves me. So start focusing on the reason for your joy, and in the meantime, don’t forget to wash your gym clothes…I can smell them from here!
APPLICATION: Take time today to give God credit for the good things in your life. If people come to mind, reach out to them and tell them they are important to you.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your abiding presence in my life. Develop joy in me. Remind me why I have reason to be full of joy. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?