The prevailing message in culture today is: Love yourself and be happy! If it feels good, do it. If it’s inconvenient, don’t. But that message is diametrically opposed to what the Bible says. You won’t find any passages of Scripture that encourage you to love yourself, but you’ll find many that tell you to love God and love others. There is not a single verse that says, “be happy,” but there are many that say, “be holy.”
We shouldn’t be surprised, really. The god of this world, Satan, has two primary goals: to oppose God and destroy His people. And what is his number one method for success? Deception. But he’s crafty and cunning. He knows he must make deception look pretty and sound good. After all, God has only good things in store for those of us who live according to His will. And if the truth got out about how life and eternity go when we don’t, it would be hard for the devil to sell.
Contrary to popular belief, your desires were never meant to occupy first place in your heart.
The heart is deceptive. If we are not careful to align our hopes, dreams, and desires with God’s will, we can quickly get off track. Our desires will turn into selfish, inward-focused pursuits rather than faithful pursuits that glorify God and advance His Kingdom. (As Christ-followers, that is our mission.)
Having desires is not wrong. In fact, good and godly desires were given to us by our loving Heavenly Father with great plans in store for them. Desires aligned with God’s will are a blessing for us and for the world around us. When we lean into godly desires and trust God to use them for His glory, the eternal outcome far exceeds any short-lived earthly benefits.
Joy beats happiness every time!
The Bible doesn’t tell us to chase happiness, but it does tell us to be joyful. Happiness is usually circumstantial. It comes and goes with the ebbs and flows of life. Joy is deep and enduring. It stems from our trust in God and His faithfulness. Joy can coexist with sorrow or hardship because it is Spirit-led and hope-filled. It comes from an abiding relationship with our Savior, who promised that when we remain in Him, we will be filled to overflowing with His joy. When we surrender and obey, sustaining happiness flows from a well of joy that runs so much deeper than anything this world offers.
If you’re chasing happiness and feeling empty, it’s time to surrender. Trust Jesus with every part of your life! Then you will experience eternal joy, peace, and hope that far exceed temporary happiness.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. – Romans 15:13
