We all search for happiness.
It’s part of the American culture, written into the country’s founding documents. The Declaration of Independence, written over 200 years ago, says three of our unalienable rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
It’s one thing to chase it, and another to achieve it. We’ve all faced up to that truth at one time or another. Our happiness is dependent on circumstances and can dissolve at a change of events we can’t predict.
Searching for joy is a better choice.
In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul points to Christ as our source of true joy.
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Then, in Verse 19 of the same chapter, Paul offers us a benediction we all want to wrap our hearts around. We hear it repeated frequently in sermons, conversations, and Sunday school teachings.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
The world chases happiness through acquisition of cars, houses, and recreational toys. It works for a time, then the happiness fades, and things must become flashier, bigger, or faster. What we have is never enough when the thrill begins to wear thin. Only the joy that comes through faith in our Lord lasts. When we find our happiness in him, our joy will never fade and will satisfy us through all our days.
We trade up to joy when we trade up to Jesus. Let’s turn to him today.
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