Why Am I Not Happy?
Over the past few years, we’ve heard terrible news from all around the world—earthquakes in Japan, floods in India, landslides in China, and the list goes on. There’s one thing all of these events have in common. The people living in each of these areas thought they built their homes on solid ground—then one day they discovered they were wrong.
Why Can’t I Be Happy?
Our hearts break for them, but many of us are in a similar situation. You may be going through this right now. When building a house, you want to start out with a solid foundation made of concrete or rock. When building your life, you set out to do the same thing. You select a personal foundation of values and beliefs you think will lead to a life of happiness. Unfortunately, so many people realize they built their life on a weak foundation—chasing money, fame, sex or any number of things they thought would make them happy. None offer lasting happiness.
Will I Ever Be Happy?
Only God can provide the foundation we need in life—the spiritual support and moral map that lead to true happiness. Find God’s will for your life. Sometimes it may seem difficult but He loves you and His plan for you is best. The Bible says God “will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge” (Isaiah 33:6).
Why Is It so Hard to Be Happy?
It was God’s plan to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for your sins. Turn to Jesus and commit your life to Him. Then you will finally find the happiness God always imagined for you. He promises to forgive your sins and give you a new life.
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Sin Separates Us
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Remedy: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God."
1 Peter 3:18
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20
"But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can receive Christ:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner.)
- Be willing to turn from your sins (repent) and ask for God's forgiveness.
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus' Name, amen."
Did you pray to receive Jesus Christ and begin a relationship with him?