God, I Want MoreSample

Who is happier—a lottery winner or a paraplegic? It seems like a no-brainer, right? The lottery winner, of course. Or is it?

Try this question: Who will be happier twelve months from now? The poster child of worldly success—the one we see on social media all the time:

• Strolling a beach in an exotic locale
• Cruising through town in a luxury car that costs more than a plane
• Showing off a sculpted, sweaty physique in a high-end gym

…or you, regardless of your measurable level of success?

This is the question behind all our discontent, longings, and desires: “What will bring me lasting joy, and how can I get it?”

In 1978, Northwestern University conducted fascinating research comparing lottery winners and those who had become partially paralyzed due to accidents. One year after their life-changing event, who was happier?

Surprisingly, they found that on a day-to-day basis, those who’d been paralyzed edged out the lottery winners on the happiness scale. It might sound crazy, but it’s true.

As a counselor and coach, I’ve spent my life helping people define and discover what they want most. And they’ve worked hard to achieve amazing things. But time and again, they find that while these things satisfy for a season, before long, they want more.

In Psalm 16, David compares the fleeting allure of temporary pleasures with the eternal goodness found in God alone and concludes with this truth: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11 NIV).

Like the lottery winner who’s spent all his winnings and fools himself into thinking that he just needs a little bit more, the world’s definition of success always leaves us hungrier than when we began.

God Himself is the treasure our hearts really seek, and growing intimacy with him is the only thing that truly satisfies.

Prayer
“Lord, I thank you that your nearness is all I need. Help me to feel and embrace your close presence today.”

Join me here tomorrow as we unpack the puzzling question: If God is always near and all I need, why doesn’t it feel that way?