We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that, we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, when we are able to go on a nice vacation or when we retire. The truth is there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges. (My friend Jerrie sent me this. I thought I would expand on it a touch.)

When you talk to most of the folks my age, sooner or later, the subject of retirement comes up as does talk of what they plan to do when they retire. The thought is that when they no longer have to worry about going to work, then things will be different, and then they will have time to do the things that really make them happy.

While thinking about this, I remembered what Jesus said, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34 NIV). I know we are not necessarily considering worry, but also being happy with your life. I believe the principle is basically the same. Also, notice what James wrote.

"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:13-14).

"What is keeping me from being happy?"

Perhaps the question we need to ask ourselves is, "What is keeping me from being happy?" Am I waiting for some future event that I think will change everything, make everything better, or make things different? Am I waiting for someone else to change their life, their attitudes, their likes or dislikes, believing that will make me happy?

The psalmist gives us some insight into finding happiness when he tells us, "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God" (Psalms 146:5).

Where is your hope? Where do you try to find happiness? True hope and happiness is based on and found in our relationship with our Lord.

May God grant you true happiness this day and forever!

 

Print this Article Send it to a Friend Heartlight encourages you to share this material with others in church bulletins, personal emails and other non-commercial uses. Please see our Usage Guidelines for more information.	Don't Worry about Tomorrow Totally Present for Today ... Tomorrow Messages from the Heart
	ALL of Heartlight        --- ARTICLES   A Taste of Home   Caring Touch   Diary of God   Hope for Life   Hope from the Hill Country   Just for Men   Just for Women   Leading in Hope   Love, Sex & Marriage   Making Life Work   Prayer for the Nation   Single...Not Alone   Special Features   Timely Truths   Together in His Grace   Two Minute Meditations        --- DEVOTIONALS   Charles Spurgeon   Daily Wisdom   My Utmost for His Highest   Praying with Paul   Quotemeal   Today's Verse   What Jesus Did

© 2009 Russ Lawson, Messages from the Heart. All rights reserved.

Title: "I'll Be Happy When?"
Author: Russ Lawson
Publication Date: May 18, 2009

Look Great, Feel Great: 12 Keys to Enjoying a Healthy Life Now by Joyce Meyer Joyce guides us to a healthier way of living, reminding us that turning every issue over to God gives us the strength to make lasting changes.

Russ Lawson is a former missionary to Africa and minister in Ohio. He now works with World Christian Literature Outreach and writes a weekly email devotional, Messages from the Heart. For more information about Russ, click here.

More Heartlight Feeds

Get Heartlight articles and devotionals by email FREE every day! Daily Heartlight Today's Verse What Jesus Did! Quotemeal

More Information