WHY AM I RESTLESS AND STRUGGLING TO FIND HAPPINESS IN MY LIFE?

SCRIPTURE:
Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share 
in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 
(1 Timothy 5:22)

MEDITATION:
There seems to be many ‘religious’ people who do not appear to be happy.
They have furrowed brows, nervous tension, a constant feeling of restlessness, 
frustration, and an unhappy countenance.
Some appear to be full of resentments, bitterness, prejudices, 
anger and hatred.
What could possibly steal the happiness from someone who, 
by worldly standards, gives the impression of being ‘religious’?

It could be that they have lost sight 
of God’s conception of the ‘pure in heart’.
They may have developed a concept 
that keeping the letter of the law is enough.
In their opinion, 
if they are going through the motions of religiosity, they are doing well.

But this is not God’s plan.
This type of activity in and of itself does not create purity of heart.
Appearing on the outside to be ‘connected’ to God 
is not going to create happiness in one’s soul.

Jesus taught that God looks deeper than the outside actions of an individual. 
He searches and considers the heart of man.
God judges a person on what’s on the inside, 
rather than what the public sees on the outside.
He looks at the motives, thoughts and intents of the heart.

People who are ‘religious’ but are not close to God internally, 
will struggle in their efforts to find the happiness 
that comes from fellowshipping with the Lord. 
One of the obstacles that must be overcome 
is replacing egotistical pride with humility.

Just telling others that you are humble, 
does not make you a truly humble person.
If you have to tell others, 
then you are trying to convince them (and yourself).
A humble person is known by their actions and attitudes.

Peter gives us some solid advice regarding humility.
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All 
of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God 
opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, 
therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 
(1 Peter 5:5-6)

Peter tells us the reasons we should become internally and genuinely humble.
First of all, if we are not humble then we are in opposition to God.
When we have an all-consuming pride, God opposes us 
and we will miss out on His blessings.
Does anyone really want to be in opposition to God?

However, if we are humble (sincerely), then God will show His favor to us.
Does that mean that God shows favoritism? Absolutely not!
Every individual has the same opportunity to develop humility in their heart.
Peter also says that when we are humble, God lifts us up 
(doesn’t that sound like He provides us with happiness?).

ACTION:
Are you happy, or do you struggle with enjoying life to its fullest?
Have you purposely determined to follow Peter’s advice 
and develop humility in your own life?
You may say, “I’m not sure I know how to be humble”.
If that is you, 
then start out initially doing things that you think a humble person would do.
As you practice this, 
you will start to see the joy of considering others ahead of yourself.

At the same time, avoid doing things that a prideful person would do.
Things like: always wanting to be in control; 
having to win every discussion (argument) and getting loud 
and becoming angry if you don’t; bragging about the things you own 
(the biggest, best, and most expensive); failing to fully listen to 
and consider the merit of opposing opinions; having a condescending view 
of others due to a feeling of superiority.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, help me to cultivate humility, so that I can develop 
the purity of heart I need for praising and serving You. Teach me to be 
controlled by Your expectations instead of allowing my life to be 
influenced by how I appear to others. Your Word tells me that when I 
am humble, You will lift me up. I long for the happiness You give to the 
humble.”