Day after day I hear the most pervasive lie…
–You deserve to be happy…
–Marriage is about making each other happy…
–Do this {or that} and you will be happy…
Lies all lies.
But it’s a lie my foolish heart likes to believe… because happiness, comfort, and contentment are so appealing to my flesh. Happy makes me feel good.
But this life is not about happiness. My purpose is not to strive for happiness and comfort.
God never promised me happiness. He never promised comfort and easy days and laughter. No. He has promised to make me holy. He has promised to love me always. He has promised me His Spirit to convict me and guide me. He has even promised to discipline me, like a loving Father, when my sin leads me away from the goodness God has for me. He has promised to keep me on the narrow path and walk with me every step of the way.
And God has suggested, guaranteed even, that in this life I will suffer. He has indicated that there will be many times where I will be unhappy and uncomfortable, often for the sake of Christ and the Gospel. For the sake of good news and God’s glory.
Yet, God has called me to be sober-minded. To face each day with a joy that overcomes suffering and discomfort. To thank Him for circumstances, however difficult, that bring about holiness in my own life or allow me to share the good news of Christ with others. God has given me a sober mind that can expect and even accept hardships, because of the hope I have in the kingdom to come.
No, God has not promised my happiness here on earth, but He has promised me something far better… joy forevermore in Jesus Christ.
And joy for eternity outweighs happiness for today. Always.
Great post Jen! I couldn't agree more. Thanks for sharing this. Have you ever thought of making your Friday's a link up??
Girl, this is GOOD. We are not entitled to happiness, we do not deserve happiness. We deserve God's wrath. And we will have trials and tribulations on earth, BUT we can have joy and peace through Him, through his mercy.
It's been a hard idea for me to grasp that God owes me nothing…no happiness, no marriage, no children, no money, etc. But I am learning to find joy in knowing He owes me nothing but gives me everything I need. You are spot on that God has guaranteed suffering in life. How lucky are we that we don't endure suffering like Jesus did on the cross?!