1 Peter 4:2
That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Do you want happiness or joy?

You are in a war. You cannot allow what you want to rule you. Being happy should not be your goal. Happiness is based on what is happening in your life at that current moment. So, when the moment changes, how you feel changes.  That is not effective nor affective warfare. 

Philippians 4:11-12 Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. 12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.  (AMP)

When you run after happiness, you cater to the whims of human beings, including yourself. Because all humans are forever changing, it is like you are on a roller coaster. Self-condemnation and envy plague you as you compare yourself to others. You live like you have not been delivered from your old life and you have no joy.

1 Peter 1:14-15 As God’s obedient children, never again shape your lives by the desires that you followed when you didn’t know better. 15 Instead, shape your lives to become like the Holy One who called you. (The Passion Translation TPT)

The pursuit of happiness keeps you in competition for positions of importance, whether it is at work, at church, or even at home.

Philippians 2:3-4 Don’t let selfishness and prideful agendas take over. Embrace true humility, and lift your heads to extend love to others. 4 Get beyond yourselves and protecting your own interests; be sincere, and secure your neighbors’ interests first. (The Voice TVT)

You don’t have a servant’s attitude because you are too busy complaining about your situation. You cannot honor anyone else because you are too busy putting others down in order to feel better about yourself.

Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without complaining or bickering with each other, 15 so you will be found innocent and blameless; you are God’s children called to live without a single stain on your reputations among this perverted and crooked generation. Shine like stars across the land. (The Voice TVT)

Get off the carnival ride. Allow God to dictate your life.

Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. (Amplified Bible AMP)

You don’t want fleeting happiness. You want to live in the strength of the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10). He will give you contentment and joy!

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, I know I am an emotional person. Some have even said overly dramatic. I see that as a blessing, but it can cause me problems.  Help me not to be emotional when I respond to life. I don’t want to be carried away by my own thoughts and my own desires. I don’t what to be motivated by what I want; what I believe I should have nor by what someone else thinks I should have.  I want to live my life according to Your will. I want joy that’s full of Your glory. I want to see myself as You see me and be excited. Nothing else matters. Nothing else is more important…

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Ask the Lord what He wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal His response as described here.