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] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Our Separation from God
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 gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Bridge: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."
1 Peter 3:18
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you declare with your mouth, '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 accept Christ into your life:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner)
- Be willing to turn from your sins. (Repent)
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. (Be saved by faith)
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive him as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do Your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."
Did you pray this prayer?