Conventional thought is that happiness is all about you. The Bible teaches us otherwise; it says “Let each of you not only look out for your interests, but also the interests of others.” Self absorption is a fast track to unhappiness. Think of others and learn the meaning of gratitude. Celebrate God’s goodness to you every day. I think it is fair to say that happiness is one of the most sought after attributes of life. It is amazing and even tragic how many are looking for love and happiness in all the wrong places. Thousands are in rehab, prison and on the therapist couches, trying to fill the empty place in their soul. Others have become workaholics and are driven by conspicuous consumption, thinking that will bring happiness. Still others have looked to marriage and family, and even found that wanting. The most common words heard by pshyologist are, “I just want to be happy". Happiness is a moving target and is very illusive. Some think happiness can be found in a specific person, or a new boat or car. Others think if I only could stay home or find the perfect job, then surely I would be happy. Others seek it in a vacation, thinking then “I would be happy.” Maybe if we had children, we would be happy? Maybe if I lost some weight or retired then I could really be happy. If we only could get the latest toys, then I would be happy. We are happy until soon we are not. There is something or someone more to chase. ..maybe that will do it. “We are happy until soon we are not” Recently I have been contacted by a number of striving millennials and they have confided in me, how unhappy they were with their “miserable” lives and that they are seeking happiness. They asked “why can’t I find happiness"? I listen and read their Facebook posts and it pained me to hear and see the pain in their words. The blessings so many of us have are overlooked and often the superficial things of life cannot bring anything but short term memories of momentary happiness. Submission is one key to happiness. How can that be..? Obedience to the word of God leads to ultimate and complete happiness. Because only God knows what will really make you happy. We often think we don’t have a real path to happiness, that what God says is too restricting and without reason. The fact is God wants our happiness and our lives to be fulfilling. Come near to God! James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded. “ Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all your ways, and he will direct your path.” I used to love to listen to George Beverley Shea at the late Billy Graham crusades, when he would sing this song. The longer I live, the more I realize true happiness is because of the grace (unmerited favor) of God. He giveth more Grace He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater He sendeth more strength as the labors increase To added afflictions He addeth His mercy To multiplied trials He multiplies peace His love has no limits, His grace has no measure His power has no boundaries known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth, and giveth and giveth again. When we has exhausted our store of endurance When our strength has failed ere the day is half done When we reach the end of our hoarded resources Our Father’s full giving has just begun The Bible paints the picture of how each of us can have the divine prescription for happiness. If you don’t know Jesus Christ as a personal Savior and Lord, may I encourage to get to know, love and honor him; experience happiness and joy in your a very troubled world. John 3:16 For those who know Him, may I encourage you to read His promises just for you His child. “Oh happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away, oh happy day.”