Some of you have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord. Every good thing I have comes from you.” But you have also said about the gods of this land, “They are my powerful gods. They are the ones who make me happy.” But those who worship other gods will have many troubles. I will not share in the gifts of blood they offer to their idols. I will not even say their names. Psalm 16:2-4 ERV
Bullet point #2 from the video-blog, “Encouragement for true joy and living”:
- When you have to fill your life with other things or people to bring happiness to your life, those happiness moments are only temporary. Fleeting. Fill your emptiness with Jesus, and find complete and everlasting joy. Also in that same verse you see that those “other gods” will bring trouble. There’s enough self-unintentional trouble that may come your way, why add more by choosing the things of this world that will surely bring more heartache. Choose God.
I can think of numerous conversations with others, observances in the lives of many, and choices I have made myself that align with these verses. Trying to go about life “my way”, the “fit in way”, and “it feels or looks good way” does most often bring heartache in the end.
Sure, that drug may have made you feel relaxed or happy temporarily, but the long-term effects are not worth it. This can lead to dependency on the drug instead of dependency on God.
Sure, that retail-therapy that is helping you get over something or someone may feel satisfying at the time. But did your bank account suffer at all, or closet become a little crowded with stuff you truly don’t need or even have room for? This can lead to hoarding or even sadness when you look at the purchased item and you get reminded as to why you bought it in the first place, and oh yea unwanted debt.
Sure, sex feels great. But when you give yourself away to anyone other than your spouse, psychological, physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences will occur.
There is an abundance of scenarios we could plug into this conversation, but hopefully you get the point. The point is…only Jesus Christ can fill your emptiness and bring true everlasting joy!
I’ve said to others many times, “You have choices to make daily. Your choices have consequences. If you know something is not right for you or to do, then don’t do it! Mistakes and regrets and troubles will come your way without your intentional assistance, so don’t choose to do something wrong you know will only bring heartache in the end.” I want to encourage you to be intentional on living for God.
Dr. Tony Evans wrote in his bible commentary book about verse 2, “I have nothing good besides you (16:2). Can you make this same declaration? Is God your ultimate joy and treasure? Believers need to understand that we only have one source: God. Everything else is a resource. David understood this, especially during difficult times.”
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, source means a point of origin, one that initiates, one that supplies information. Resource means a source of supply or support. Let that sink in for a minute. Allow God to be your main focus and The Supplier of all your needs in life. He can use others, and even things, to support you…as long as it is in sync with His plan, not yours. Get that…His plan.
Friend, please let me remind you what God’s word says:
“I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:33 ERV
You are told you will have troubles. Just know that when you walk with Christ, you have already won! He has already defeated the world. Pursue God, not man or the things of this world.
I feel that now is a good time to remind of you another well-known verse:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
You have a purpose in life. You were made for a purpose. You are here on purpose. Live a purpose filled life in Christ.
Remember this: There are some terrible times coming in the last days. People will love only themselves and money. They will be proud and boast about themselves. They will abuse others with insults. They will not obey their parents. They will be ungrateful and against all that is pleasing to God. They will have no love for others and will refuse to forgive anyone. They will talk about others to hurt them and will have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. People will turn against their friends. They will do foolish things without thinking and will be so proud of themselves. Instead of loving God, they will love pleasure. They will go on pretending to be devoted to God, but they will refuse to let that “devotion” change the way they live. Stay away from these people! But you know all about me. You know what I teach and the way I live. You know my goal in life. You know my faith, my patience, and my love. You know that I never stop trying. 2 Timothy 3:1-5,10 ERV
But you are only warm—not hot, not cold. So I am ready to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16 ERV
Happiness is temporary, joy is eternal. I choose joy.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
(In the featured photo…meet Wayne. Ever since Tim’s dad went to be with Jesus September of 2019, this friendly owl comes to visit us. He often perches on a decorative direction post we have by our pool. Wayne is reminding you to be wise, not a wise guy.)
