What makes you Happy?

This world can get us down, and discouraged. There are so many things that we see and hear daily that can be not only disappointing but discouraging. Our ideals are and should not be wrapped around the worlds standards. As we prepare for Christmas people get caught up in the gift's, sales, and running around crazy to get a lot done. The world tells us we will be more happier when we have more things, and look a certain way. The standards are set to something that is unattainable! The more and more we get will not make us happier! And being super model thin will not make all woman happy. What is the underlining issue of why we are not happy? Most don't know and live out their lives trying to find happiness. It is so easy to get drawn or sucked into what the world is doing. As believers we have Joy from God, a inner joy that the Holy Spirit gives us daily! All we need to do is look to the Lord and he will provide it to us! This is a season of celebration of the birth of Christ! When we get sucked into the worldly thinking and doing we excuse it because it is not a heaven or hell issue, or a salvation issue. Is are relationship with God more important than just a salvation issue? Can we truly be happy when we live for ourselves as long as we still maintain our salvation? I believe not! Only true happiness comes from pure obedience! Mary herself had a choice when the angel appeared to her!! Luke 1:38 " “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. And when we are obedient to God he will be there to help you! He doesn't just command us to obedience without helping us!! The Lord is with you; Do not be afraid; and Nothing is imposable with God! There is proof after proof that God will be with us! So take this to heart and really think about what makes you happy! Ask yourself why it is that this thing or person makes you happy, and search out God and his Joy that is everlasting and fulfilling!!

Relationship

Relationship is vital in our lives, and God created us to have relationship... with Him! I have learned over the years that if our relationships with man are to succeed our relationship with God must not only come first but also be in check. When I say in check I mean, we have to be actually be having a relationship with God. Pursuing Him, by spending time, reading the Word and praying! Before we complain about our earthly relationships we should turn the table and look at our own relationship with God. We need to ask God how am I doing Lord, is there anything in me that needs to be changed? This is not easy!! Because once you ask this God will reveal it to you, and it will be difficult for you. Change is never easy especially when it is change within yourself that needs work. I realized as I was complaining about a relationship about not spending time, or talking to that person I turned it back on myself. This was difficult, as I have been busy I haven't been spending time with God like I used to, and praying or reading the Word like I had been. God revealed to me that I need to seek Him daily, and have a real relationship with Him! Once my relationship with God is in alignment, the rest just comes natural and almost easy! Here is the powerful point of it, God wants to change us! That is why He died for us!! I want to be desperately in love with God! This is my prayer from A.W. Tozer; in The Pursuit of God;

   "O Go, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it had both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, so that I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, "Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away." Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wondered so long."

I challenge you today to take a look at yourself and ask the Lord what is it that needs to be change in you? And ask Him to help you with it!