JOY AND HAPPINESS, WHERE ARE YOU HIDING?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though
you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with
an inexpressible and glorious joy.
(1 Peter 1:8)

MEDITATION:
We live in a world of thwarted hopes, broken dreams, and frustrated desires.
British poet and author G.K. Chesterton says,
    “Everywhere there is speed, noise and confusion,
      but nowhere deep happiness and quiet hearts.”
A Hollywood columnist wrote about a famous movie star,
    “The bright, carefree radiance has gone from her pretty face.”

People are amassing great debts in their efforts to find happiness.
They are spending inordinate amounts of money on automobiles,
furnishings for the house, expensive clothes, big houses, dining out, etc.
However, no matter how much they try, they cannot find happiness,
but are only increasing their misery as their debts continue to grow.

Their houses are filled with expensive items,
but often they are the only ones who even see them.
They seldom have friends visiting and when they do,
they don’t enjoy watching their hosts show off all their ‘prizes’,
so they aren’t interested in returning for another visit.

So, where can joy and happiness be found?
Christ is the answer to our sadness, discouragement, and frustration.
Optimism and cheerfulness are products of knowing the Lord.
When our hearts are attuned to God through faith in Christ,
we will overflow with joyous optimism and good cheer.
The scriptures assure us that when we believe in God, and love Him,
we will be “filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”

We will never be free from discouragement
and despondency until we have connected with God.
In this world there will always be problems however we find
that God is the wellspring of happiness, the fountain of joy,
and He is the Christian’s secret to contentment.

ACTION:
Are you missing out on an inexpressible and glorious joy?
Are you living a life of frustration and striving to find happiness?
Are you overspending and amassing debts in your efforts to find pleasure?
Have you been duped into believing that when you
reach a certain social status, you will achieve joy and happiness?

Why keep adding to your frustrations and unhappiness?
Try connecting with the Lord
and see how much your life changes for the better.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promises to those
who love You and are called according to Your Name.
Father, You see how I keep trying all kinds of things on
my own to achieve happiness and how my efforts only
frustrate me more. Help me to stop hitting my head against
the wall and give my life to You. I believe You will help me
to experience the delight of a quiet heart. You can give me
a joy that is deep within and cannot be taken away. Lord,
I pray that You will help me to always keep my eyes on You,
my source of joy and happiness.”

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