Happiness.

"Do what's right for you because who will there be in the end? YOU."

"Do what you need to do to make yourself happy!"

Yeah, I totally disagree with those statements. As believers, we are not called to happiness and nowhere in the Bible does it talk about us doing what we need to to make ourselves happy. This culture and the media has influenced us so much and honestly sometimes we really don't see it. If you watch all the commericals and advertisements on TV, it's all about having the right body to be happy, the right clothes, the right significant other, etc, etc, etc. And I have noticed that quite a few believers are falling for this trap and have totally walked away from the faith in order to pursue "happiness" and a lot of times, it's because they give up on a trial and/or don't depend on Christ as they should - they feel as if God is punishing them, ignoring them and doesn't care about them at all. 

James 1:2-4 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

When we face trials, we should consider it joy because through trials and tribulations is where our faith is refined, made stronger and our relationship with Christ grows immensely! 

Don't run away from trials and tribulations, take it one day at a time. We should always be joyful. I mean, look at Paul, he went through SO much stuff but he was always joyful, content and willing to face whatever the Father put in front of him because Paul proved that he was faithful to the Lord - even when he faced death multiple times.

Don't fall for the trap of happiness, happiness is temporary but joy in the Lord is forever!

In Christ,

Damaris Bruce