Stop Chasing Happiness

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Life is too short not to be happy.”  So why does this concept make me cringe every time I hear it?  Why are we so focused on doing whatever it takes to be happy?

Life is NOT about our happiness!!  Harsh?  Nope. It’s the Truth. 

If you are a believer in Christ, your life’s worth is not a measure of your happiness.

God does not call us to do whatever makes us happy. That’s the world whispering into our soul. God, on the other hand, assures us that we will face trials but that our hope is in Him.  Our happiness will be complete when we are in His Presence. 

You see, happiness in this world is based on circumstances. Joy is based on God. When you have happiness in your life, it can be taken away at a moment’s notice.  That promotion you worked so hard to achieve?  Not guaranteed tomorrow. That friendship you’ve poured so much time into?  Could be gone tomorrow. Your secure circumstances at home?  Can change on a dime. You see, chasing happiness will have you running in circles. Just when you think you’ve found it, life happens. And when life happens, I sure pray our hope isn’t in happiness, an emotion that can come and go with the wind. 

So am I implying it’s wrong to be happy?  Of course not!  But I am boldly declaring that it cannot be the source of our hope. It’s not what we should be seeking or our goal in life. What is the end goal you ask?  Joy in Christ. Joy, as my friend Ann reminded me recently, is: 

Jesus

Others

You. 

Joy is not focused on ME but rather focused on His glory and service to others. Ann also reminded me of this: H is for Humans and Happiness. J is for Jesus and Joy. 🙌🏻

Joy does not change with my circumstances. Why?  Because God never changes. My hope is eternal, not a wish but a guarantee that I will never be separated from God. I am called to joy even in the darkest of days. 

So let’s please stop giving ourselves permission to do whatever makes us happy and start seeking God’s discernment for what brings Him joy.  I pray I can start living more of my life for others and less of my life chasing after my own happiness. 

In Him,

Ashley