No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. -Romans 8:37 (NIV)
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. -John 16:33
There’s a devious trap in some modern circles that says if you’re not happy, whatever is making you unhappy can’t be good for you, and you should do something different. And there are plenty of prosperity theology teachers out there who will make sure you believe that so they can get your donations…beware!
Life is not all smooth sailing and eating bonbons. Life is often messy and has its bumps…but it’s those very things that can make the smooth times sweeter.
Our feelings are not infallible as life compasses. The bible teaches us to not rely entirely on our flesh feelings and hearts, because they can mislead us. We can, however, count on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes, we must go through times of trials and unhappiness so God can do a work in us, to make us stronger and purify us. We have to trust that He has plans for us as we plod on through valleys and deserts.
He gives us joy even when we don’t have happiness in the moment. And His joy is the living water that sustains us through drought and desert. Without His water, believers will shrivel and wither and be blown around by the winds of circumstance, like any unbeliever.
So dig deep, fellow agent. Times may be very, very tough, but you have a deep wellspring of unimaginable love and comfort and strength upon which to draw when all you see around you is wind and sand.
Remember, God’s joy anchors you, and when you dig deep for it, you will know that your happiness isn’t dependent on your circumstances. Part of conquering the trials God puts before you is not falling for the happy trap.
Today’s sermon
In another part of the “God Never Said That” series, LifeChurch.tv’s Craig Groeschel explains away the common but unbiblical misconception that “God wants you to be happy.”
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