Searching For Happiness

Searching For Happiness

by Diana Scothorn

For many years of my life, I searched for what I felt would satisfy me and bring happiness. Having gone through hardships and tragedy, I longed for happiness.  Happiness is defined as delighted, pleased, or glad over a particular thing.  It is characterized by things that are favorable for our immediate circumstances.

In my case, I seemed to be continually striving for…

…that “thing”  I knew would make me happy. For as long as I can remember, I had something on my list of “next” to bring satisfaction.  In all actuality, my appetite was never satisfied.

My goals continually became bigger, as they should, but in the proper context to achieve them.  Goals are essential for vision, and vision is necessary to accomplish goals, but I was confused with the process.

Our motivation behind the process is what determines results.  If I want to lose 20lbs and my motivation is to look good at my class reunion, I will quickly find the pounds found their way back to me!  My motive needs to be more centered around developing a healthy lifestyle and, in the process, looking and feeling better. Likewise, if I chase after things to make me happy, instead of chasing after Jesus for lasting joy, I will quickly find nothing is satisfying for very long.

I thought all these projects, new ideas, and accomplishments would bring me happiness. I’ve learned the worlds’ standard of satisfaction only brings sufficient provision for my immediate need.

If I am thirsty, a glass of water can satisfy my immediate thirst but most certainly will not quench my thirst for a lifetime!  I was searching for JOY and didn’t know it. JOY is a source of pleasure. The JOY of the LORD is my strength.  It’s Joy that provides the power to embrace each season of life.

God doesn’t want to satisfy us but fill us up to the brim, overflowing with His Joy. He wants our life to be so full of Him that He is all we need! He wants to draw us close to Him, so we will never be out of His Presence.

It is only through God’s continual presence that we will experience lasting Joy!  JOY Is a constant source of happiness that comes from knowing Jesus!  There is not one good thing God will withhold from us.  He is for us and will see us through every trial and work out everything in the end for our good!

I am amazed God knows who I am, and He still loves me unconditionally despite myself. True joy is not a feeling but a relationship with Jesus! A beautiful spring day can bring me happiness for the day,  but knowing the beautiful love of Jesus will bring me JOY for a lifetime!

People, places, and things can bring temporary satisfaction. However, it is the JOY of the Lord that comes from having a relationship with Jesus that will bring fulfillment for a lifetime!