Lies I Believe Part 1: God Just Wants Me to Be HappySample

LIVING IN TRUTH

Reflection:

The by-product of walking the narrow way of God is holiness that leads to intimacy with God and enjoyment of his many gifts and blessings. Our greatest good is that we grow in holiness to glorify him. When we choose to pursue God instead of our happiness, we experience permanent happiness called joy. Joy is a deep contentment, confidence, and hope based not on our temporary circumstances but on the permanence of God’s character. This lasting joy comes from a right relationship with God. Romans 3 says that we can rejoice in our sufferings because of this. Even the pain points to healing when we’re in right relationship with God.

You have a God-shaped void – it expresses itself as a longing for happiness. You’ve tried everything you can, and there’s still a void. That’s because there aren’t enough things in this whole world that will fill that void. Living in pursuit of happiness is aiming too low. Nothing in this world can promise happiness. A perfect God promises to love you, comfort you, forgive you, strengthen you, and walk with you through every high and every low. He will be enough.

Ask Yourself:

In what ways are you actively pursuing God?

What are the good gifts that God has given you? How can these gifts help you say no to temptation?

Pause to Pray:

Thank you, Jesus, for pursuing me. I want to know You and to follow You…

Take the Next Step:

Consider all the ways you pursue a “happy” life. Ask God to help you edit your list- crossing off what dishonors Him and adding a new habit that helps you pursue Him.

Look for “Lies I Believe Part 2: I Can Do It On My Own”

Find more resources at www.whoisgrace.com/READ.