The Pursuit of Happiness

Would you like a closer relation to God? Pause and answer that question for yourself. 

Count Leo Tolstoy, known as one of the world’s most brilliant authors, had such a desire. Seeking happiness he asked some Russian peasants to teach him their secrets of happiness. Their joy prompted them to treat everyone like a gem. One answered: “You were created by God. When you stay in creative contact with God then joy is continuous. But if you get away from God then you get away from the life force. You can get away from continuous joy. Return to God, my friend, return to His Son, the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, and you will find good days.”

Do so and joyous waves of life will surge in you.

Our Declaration of Independence supports that idea: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Connect the two. We are “created” and “endowed by” their “Creator.” Connect the dots.

We put much emphasis on “equal” to the neglect of “created.”

The statement from the Declaration indicates we are wired for happiness and we have it unless there is a short on our spiritual life. The peasant revealed the short circuit is caused by getting away from God. 

If a person gets away from God there is a way back. It is the same path back that initially established your relation with God in the first place. Employment of these steps is the way back.

Remorse, sorrow for your sin. Don’t hold in reserve any secret sin.

Repentance, see as sin the item or act you thought could provide happiness.

Reaffirmation of faith and commitment. Instead of expressing a desire for happiness, acknowledge your love for the Lord. Happiness is the natural …..

Result. The closer you are to the Lord the happier you are.  Persons not in fellowship have kicks, but not without kick-backs. The Creator God is in love with you and longs for fellowship with you that results in your happiness.

The Bible speaks of those who  “enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.” (Hebrews 11:25) They are not to be denied as being a reality, but neither is the consequence. 

Compare that with the fact that “In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”  (Psalm 16:11)

The pleasures of the world are passing, but the pleasures of the Lord are permanent.