Understanding True Happiness through Alignment with God’s Plan
Does God believe or support me in my plans that what I believe is worth it to make me happy? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. While it is important to seek and nurture your own happiness, true fulfillment comes not from your plans alone but from aligning your life with God's will.
The Secret to True and Lasting Happiness
Ultimately, true and lasting happiness is found in following God's plan for your life. Many people seek happiness through worldly means, such as wealth, fame, and success. While these can provide temporary pleasure, they often leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled. This is because God created us to seek a greater purpose and a deeper connection with Him.
The longing within us for true satisfaction is not random; it is a sign that we were created for more. The renowned author C.S. Lewis eloquently expressed this idea in his book Mere Christianity, stating, 'If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of the things I desire satisfy it, that does not prove the world of fancy; but merely that those things are poor decoys.'
Seeking God with All Your Heart
To truly find happiness, one must first seek God with all their heart. This involves repentance and a willingness to change one's ways based on God's standards. It means making Him the Lord of your life, not just a simple accessory or afterthought. Establishing a deep relationship with God will not only bring joy to your life but also provide a foundation for true fulfillment.
Some people may feel that their ambitions and specific plans are too important to set aside. However, the Bible encourages us to prioritize what is truly essential. James 4:13-15 states, 'You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you should say, "If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that."'
Choosing the Right Focus
A common mistake is to believe that God is a tool to be used for personal gain or to achieve specific goals. However, God's interests are much higher than this. He desires our complete trust and our lives to be centered around Him. When we place our ambitions above God, we run the risk of losing what truly matters. On the other hand, when we center our lives on God, we find a sense of purpose and fulfillment that nothing else can offer.
As C.S. Lewis further emphasizes, 'To be an earthly creature with the desires of an immortal—one longs naturally for a larger life. Since this will not be found on earth, there are two possible courses left. I may say, "Since heaven is out of my reach, I will concentrate myself into a cleverly made and happy animal of the earth," or I may say, "Since the little pleasures of this life are only copies of a larger Reality, I must look behind them to that Reality and transform copying into communication and imitation into union."'
Embracing a Life Centered on God
Elevating God to the center of your life is not a one-time decision but a continuous process. It requires ongoing commitment and adjustment. As you align your life with God's will, you will find that the temporary pleasures of this world no longer seem satisfying. Instead, you will experience a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose. This transformation may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable.
By seeking God with all your heart, repenting when necessary, and continuously centering your life on Him, you can discover the true and lasting happiness that only comes from aligning with God's plan. This is not a path to be taken lightly, but it is a journey worth embarking on. As the Bible declares in Philippians 4:13, 'I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.'