To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. Ecclesiastes 2:26
How many times in my own life I have said "I just want to be happy." Everyone is in search of ultimate happiness. New cars, vacations, going out with friends, etc. You know what? While these things are well and good and bring happiness it's usually short lived. We then move on to the next thing that's "guaranteed" to make our lives happy! A pastor once told me "I'm sorry to say this but God's intent for you in this life is not about your happiness but in serving Him." At first I was taken aback but then I realized that he was saying I shouldn't be focused on my own desires. I should be focused on what God desires in my life. If I follow God's rules and live a moral life then the end result will be HAPPINESS. If you are living life the way God intends for you to live you will find that inner contentment that leads to overall happiness. It took me a long time to realize this but it's true!
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