“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
Happiness. We all want it, but few find it. Yet, so many decisions we make in life are driven by this desire. So, what is true happiness? And does God even care about our happiness?
Jesus actually talks specifically about finding true, lasting happiness. But first, let’s look at what’s behind this universal quest.
At the beginning, in Genesis, we see the world fresh and new. No sin, no pain, no turmoil. There we find Adam and Eve. Their entire role was to be fruitful and multiply, reigning over the earth in harmony and peace. Loving life and living the dream. This is the way things should be – true happiness, as God intended. Sounds pretty good, right?
But, there’s a problem. Looking at the world today, something’s clearly missing. Wars, economic uncertainty, broken families, the perfection and beauty of what God created has been lost. It seems happiness is something we all desire, but few find. So, what happened?
Sin entered the world. As a result, we’ve become consumed with searching for happiness in all the wrong places. Is it a career? If only I had that next promotion, that next raise - then I’d be happy. What about a relationship? If only I meet ‘the one’ – then I’d be happy. Is happiness in our ‘stuff’? The newest technology, the faster car, bigger house – then I’d be happy. Looking for happiness in things will never satisfy. In the end, we find ourselves just looking further.
Jesus offers a solution. He came to offer us a real life, abundant life, far more than anything we could discover on our own. A life of joy and meaning and purpose and yes, happiness.
In what areas of your life are you searching for happiness and turning up empty? Start today by asking God to show you what true, lasting happiness looks like.
