Happiness, Joy and Fulfillment
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If you want to be happy, joyful and fulfilled, ask yourself, “Am I where God wants me?” This question includes your state of being. That is, being who you need to be for Him. Incidentally, if you are who you need to be for Him, you will be who you need to be for others. Conversely, if you seek to be who need to be for others first, you may not be who you need to be for Him. People-pleasing can be a detriment. Let’s underscore the obvious: if you are in pursuit of anything different than where He wants you, you are spinning your wheels. More than likely you are seeking to fulfill the desires of the flesh, which is rooted in the world. Seeking a worldly lifestyle puts you at odds with God. James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God (see also Romans 8:1-18; 1 John 2:15-17)?
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Breaking It Down
Happiness is more related to pleasure, and reliant on exterior circumstances and things. Which means it can be rather fleeting. Nothing wrong with happiness, but if it’s your primary goal in life, you may find yourself frequently disappointed. For instance, one may find it rather pleasurable to buy a new car. Paid with cash; not credit, for good measure. Initially, it makes you happy; but eventually, the excitement wears off. In fact, if you factor in paying for insurance, maintenance and repairs, discontentment may be just around the corner. On the other hand, joy is an inner glee that provides strength during less than desirable times. Joyful people have that “glow,” even under adverse circumstances. In some cases, especially because of adverse circumstances, such as being persecuted for the sake of Jesus. It’s not that they necessarily seek it; it’s just they found a reason to rejoice (see Matthew 5:11-12; Luke 6:22-23; 1 Peter 1:1-9). Joy is well aware God is with us, no matter what! Moreover, obedience to God brings greater joy and fulfillment. Self-serving people do not experience joy. At best, they experience forms of happiness or pleasure; and yet, they are not happy people. Definitely not content! John 15:10-11 If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. ?? Obedience to God is rooted in love. We obey His commandments, because we love Him; and indeed, love is their fulfillment (see John 14:15; Romans 13:10). The question is, how do we obey, especially when we don’t feel like it? One word: submission. By submitting to Holy Spirit, we have everything we need to obey. Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. If Holy Spirit lives in you, you have all these things listed in you. For example, there is no need to ask for patience. Patience is a submission issue. The joy of the Lord is our strength. If you need to strength, submit! Here’s a definition of irony: the more you try to make yourself happy, the less happy you will be. With this in mind, the more submitted you are to Him, the more happy, joyful and content you will be. The greatest fulfillment is found in the center of God’s will!