When our daughter, Juliana, sees a red heart shaped picture in the newspaper or on an article of clothing, she calls it a “happy heart!” I like to then ask her if she has a happy heart. We all want to be happy and satisfied with our lives.

Where does happiness come from? How can we find it? Is it getting and doing everything we want? Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. He is the source of joy and happiness. These things are found in having a real friendship with God. They are the by-products of giving, being honest, being faithful, and having a thankful heart. Although life will have its troubles, doing right before God will return a contentment that money cannot buy.

When the Apostle Paul was preaching in Lystra, a city in the Roman province of Galatia, he and Barnabas prayed for a crippled man and God healed him. The people of Lystra wanted to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods, but Paul rightly directed the credit to the Lord. He explained to them that God alone made heaven and earth. He gives the rain and blesses their crops. He provides plenty of food and fills their hearts with joy! (Acts 14:8-17).

God looks after everyone and gives them a measure of happiness, even if they do not serve Him. There is, however, a greater joy that we feel when we love God with all our hearts and praise Him. Paul and Silas were placed in jail at Philippi, for preaching the Gospel. They sang praises to God and He miraculously released them. This is the type of joy that will sustain us in our lives.

If you are frustrated with life, turn to the Lord Jesus for help. If nothing brings satisfaction, then He will help you to have a happy heart!

Sincerely,
Pastor Peccon  

Click the envelope to Email Pastor Peccon