Category: Emotions & Thought Life

Why Should I Not Kill Myself?

Sep. 06 Emotions & Thought Life Comments Off on Why Should I Not Kill Myself?

Life is a precious gift from God. However there can be times when we do not view our life as being precious, nor do we perceive our life as being a gift.

When you have problems and issues that seem unsolvable and problems that bring enormous guilt and shame, you may be tempted to believe that life is not worth living.

When problems lead to anxiety and depression, one can be forced to believe that suicide is an option.
However when we focus on our problems & circumstances, we do not always see the clear picture.
When we focus on our problems & challenges we may not always discover the solutions or answers that may be available to us.

Therefore the times when you are depressed or feeling guilt and shame, or faced with a seemingly unsolvable situation, it is not the time that you should make any detrimental decisions.
Instead it is the time that you should seek help and support. It is the time to seek help from your family, your friends, your church or anyone who is loving and compassionate enough to help you and comfort you during your time of distress.
Most importantly you must also seek help from God who is your Creator.

God created you for a reason. God created you for a purpose. It is never God’s will or purpose that we commit suicide.
Even during the most tragic of situations, God can give us guidance and peace.
There is also no sin in your life which God cannot forgive.
God says in Isaiah 43:25: “I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”

Your life is a gift from God and you are truly loved by God. However you must understand that the devil comes to kill, steal and destroy all that God loves and has created.
Jesus says: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

In 1 Peter 5:7-9 God’s word says that we must cast all our issues and anxieties on God because He cares for us. It also says that we must resist the devil knowing that the kind of problems we experience are similar to what many people face throughout the world.

1 Peter 5:7-9 says: Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world

You are of value to God. You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14).
God knows you more than you know yourself. He knows you so well that He knows how many hairs you have on your head (Luke 12:7).

There is nothing too difficult for God to handle. God is able to give you peace that surpasses all understanding. God is also able to use people to support you in a difficult situation.
God is able to turn a bad situation and use it for His good purposes and glory (Romans 8:28; Genesis 50:20).

God does not have plans to harm you. Instead He has plans to give you a future and a hope.
God says the following in Jeremiah 29:11-12 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you.”

God loves you with steadfast love. He loves us even when we are in our worst and shameful state.
Romans 5:8 says: But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God is always ready and willing to forgive us of our sins. God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness is possible because of the penalty that Jesus paid for mankind on the cross.
1 John 1:9 says: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The truth is, we are all sinners who have sinned against God (Romans 3:23). We live in an imperfect world that is filled with problems and tragedies because of the sin that exists in all of us as mankind.
Thankfully Jesus Christ paid the debt for our sin so that through Him alone, we can receive eternal life and be able to overcome the challenges and issues of life in this world.

Jesus Christ alone is able to give you spiritual and inner peace that is better and different from the kind of peace that the world offers.
Jesus says: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
In John 16:33, Jesus also says the following: “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

God says that He does not desire that any man should perish but that we should all repent so that we may receive His peace and eternally be reconciled to Him (2 Peter 3:9).

If you’ve had thoughts about committing suicide, speak to someone. Urgently seek help; seek support and seek counselling.
You still have people who love you and who want you to stay alive. There are still people in the world who are compassionate enough to love and support you.
Proverbs 15:22 says “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Proverbs 11:14 says “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

Most importantly, no matter the condition or state of your life right now, remember that God is with you and He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Therefore seek God and allow Him to give you His peace and guidance.

 

How Should A Christian Respond to Suffering?

May. 30 Christian Living & Questions, Emotions & Thought Life Comments Off on How Should A Christian Respond to Suffering?

We undoubtedly live in a world where pain and suffering is inevitable. The Bible reminds us that this world is a fallen world in which man is a sinner who needs God’s redemption.
The Bible also reminds us that the condition of the heart of man will grow from bad to worse.
2 Timothy 3:1 says that “in the last days there will come times of difficulty” because of the ungodly nature and attitude of man towards each other and towards God (2 Timothy 3:2-5).
Therefore in a world that is filled with ungodliness, there will always be pain and suffering.

However, how should a Christian respond to the issue of pain and suffering? What attitude should Christians have during times of persecution and opposition?

First of all it is important to categorize suffering into 3 types or 3 reasons for why a person suffers in life.

 

3 REASONS FOR SUFFERING

1. Persecution or Suffering for Righteousness Sake
1 Peter 3:13-14,17 says “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled… For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”
Therefore there is the kind of persecution and suffering which one experiences for doing the right thing or for standing by godly and righteous principles or for exposing wrong-doing. For centuries, many Christians have been ridiculed, excluded, punished and even killed for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and for exposing wrong doctrines and lifestyles. In other words, they experienced forms of persecutions for righteousness’ sake.
In our world, anyone who stands for Biblical truth is likely to be viewed as an outsider or threat to an existing and ungodly system which then leads to persecution. For example, Jesus faced persecution from the scribes and Pharisees and was eventually crucified for standing for the truth and for exposing the false religious systems of the scribes and Pharisees. All of Christ’s disciples also faced persecution on account of the message of the gospel, yet the Christian values that they preached promoted godly living and character.
In 2 Timothy 3:12 it says that anyone who desires “to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Therefore persecution for righteousness sake is unavoidable for the Christian believer who stands for the Biblical truth and seeks to live a godly life.

2. Suffering Because of The Culture / Systems of the World
The Bible tells us that the world is at enmity with God and at enmity with Christians. The reason is because the standards, values, philosophies and culture of the world are opposed to Biblical values. It is the very reason why Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to standards of this world. The philosophies and ideas of this world have created suffering, pain, injustice within the social, political, economic and even the spiritual areas of people’s lives.
Therefore when the system and culture of the world is corrupt, there will be many who will suffer as a result.
In the world there are also natural occurrences that are beyond human control such as natural disasters which may cause man to suffer. These include such things as earthquakes, cyclones, floods and the like which contribute to the pain and suffering of mankind.

3. Suffering Because of Personal Sin or The Sins of Others
Our own personal sin has consequences which can lead to pain and suffering. The sin of Adam in the garden of Eden led to the tragic consequence of every person being born a sinner and death affecting all of mankind (Romans 5:12).
1 Peter 4:15 says: But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
The acts of a murderer for example, do not only affect the murderer, but they also affect the victim and the victim’s loved ones. Therefore whether it is sin that is committed by us or by another, our sins can have consequences which affect other people in general. Ultimately sin causes suffering.
The scriptures warn us that we should not suffer because we have committed evil. Instead it is better to suffer for doing good or for the truth of God’s word.

 

HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO SUFFERING?

A) We Must Be Prayerful & Thankful
James 5:13 says “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray…”
Therefore we must talk to God about the issues that pain us and allow Him to take charge of every problem and challenge in our life (1 Peter 5:7).
Through prayer we can both seek God’s direction and receive the peace of Christ through our situation. Philippians 4:6-7 says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Furthermore, even in pain and suffering, we must count our blessings and have an attitude of thanksgiving because 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says that we are to give thanks in all circumstances (both good and bad).

 

B) We Must Endure & Persevere
The word Endurance means the power to withstand hardship or stress; a state of surviving or remaining alive.
The word Perseverance means to be steadfast; persistent determination; the act of persisting; continuing or repeating behavior.
Therefore in the midst of suffering of any kind, we are expected to endure and persevere. And both to endure and persevere during trials can be used by God as a testing of our faith which can develop our character.
James 1:2-4 says: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 5:10-11 says: As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
Ephesians 6:10 says: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

 

C) We Must Count It All Joy & Count Yourself Blessed
Every Christian who suffers or is persecuted for righteousness sake or for the Biblical truth shares in the sufferings of Christ and is therefore blessed.
In Luke 6:22-23 Jesus said the following: “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.”
1 Peter 4:13-14 says: But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

 

D) Remember The Sovereignty of God
Romans 8:28 says: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
We are reminded that God uses all things and all situations in life – both good and bad – to accomplish His own purpose.
Despite the chaos in the world and the personal challenges we may face in life, God still remains in control and God is never surprised by anything that happens in the world.
God remains all-knowing and all-powerful. Therefore even in the midst of suffering we must remember that God is in control and we must continue to live a godly life in Christ Jesus despite our circumstances.
1 Peter 4:19 says: Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

 

E) Repent If You Have Sinned & Resist The Devil
Where sin is the cause of our personal suffering, then we must repent and walk according to God’s word. We are to resist the devil and resist his temptations by seeking to be close to God and casting all our issues on Him.
1 Peter 5:7-11 says: Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Therefore pain and suffering is part of life. However, God is always in control and all who are in Christ Jesus will only experience the discomfort of difficult times for a short while. Ultimately the born again believer will one day experience a painless life and a life that is free from suffering when he/she receives the eternal promise of Heaven and eternity with God.

 

What Does The Bible Say About Revenge?

Apr. 23 Christian Living & Questions, Emotions & Thought Life Comments Off on What Does The Bible Say About Revenge?

How should we react or retaliate in the face of persecution, harassment, betrayal or any kind of wrong-doing? What should we do when someone offends us, mocks us or even deceives us?
Should our response be to seek revenge or is there a different solution that we should apply to such problems or issues?

According to dictionary.com to revenge means to exact punishment or expiation for a wrong on behalf of, especially in a resentful or vindictive spirit
Other definitions are as follows: to take action in return for an injury or offence; It is a retaliation for a perceived wrong; The desire to repay an injury or wrong

The Bible consistently tells us that revenge or vengeance is a response or action that is specifically reserved for God alone.
Romans 12:19 says: Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Therefore it is not our role to avenge or to seek vengeance against those who offend us or cause us pain. Instead vengeance belongs to God because it is God alone who is the perfect avenger.
God is a just God and He is a perfect and incorruptible Judge who will judge and punish the wicked in His perfect time.

Why does God prohibit man from pursuing vengeance? It is because mankind is flawed and sinful? Revenge or vengeance is capable of corrupting us and breeding feelings of hatred and unforgiveness. The human desire for revenge also creates bitterness and anger. In many cases, vengeance is never done from a pure motive when it is executed by man. A spirit of vindictiveness is dangerous and destructive to the human soul. However, only God does all things from a pure and righteous motive, and this is why He says “vengeance is Mine”.

In Psalms 94:1-11, the psalmist understands that vengeance or revenge belongs to the Lord alone. The psalmist does not seek to execute vengeance himself against the wicked, but instead he prays and trusts that God alone will judge and avenge the wicked.

In 1 Samuel 24:1-22, David also understands that vengeance is the role of God alone. Though David was innocent against Saul, the man who was trying to kill him, David spared Saul’s life even when he had the opportunity to revenge against Saul in the cave. Instead David chose to obey God and not seek vengeance (1 Samuel 24:5-7).
David reserved all judgment and vengeance into God’s hands as he says to Saul “May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you.”

In Romans 12:21 it says: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Hard as it may be, the only way to overcome persecution or an offence of any kind is by doing good. We should not retaliate with an eye for an eye or evil for evil (Romans 12:17). Instead we should respond in love and with good virtues (Romans 12:20).

In Matthew 5:38-39, Jesus says: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

During Christ’s earthly ministry, Jesus faced persecution, ridicule and many offences from those who opposed Him. Yet even though Christ was innocent and blameless, He did not return evil for evil against those who opposed Him. Instead He continued to focus on the work of His Father in the midst of opposition, persecution and ridicule.
When Jesus Christ was being crucified on the cross, He mostly remained silent even though He had the power to destroy those who mocked Him (Matthew 26:53). Instead Christ prayed to the Father to forgive His persecutors as He was pinned to the cross (Luke 23:34).

Therefore in the face of persecution, wrong-doing or mocking, God commands us to not retaliate with evil or deception or mocking – but instead we should turn the other cheek. We must follow the example of Jesus Christ. Our response must be of love and prayer towards those who are at enmity towards us (Matthew 5:43-45).

Therefore we must know and trust that God will avenge according to His perfect will and that all His judgments are perfect.
As Christians we are to retaliate in prayer and with love and leave the vengeance to God alone.

 

Why Is Life Unfair?

Dec. 03 Emotions & Thought Life Comments Off on Why Is Life Unfair?

We’ve all at some point in our life have asked ourselves this question: Why is life so unfair???
We look at the situation in our world and we wonder if there will ever be any justice, fairness or equality in the world.
We may also ask ourselves these questions: Why do the wicked and corrupt prosper, while the righteous or innocent seem to struggle? Why isn’t God quick to bring justice to those who are abusive and wicked? Where is God during my time of pain and suffering?

To answer the above questions, it is important to understand 2 very important issues which are:
1. The condition of man
2. The condition of the world

 

Life Is Unfair Because Sin Exists – The Condition of Man
The Bible reveals that man was once perfect. In the beginning God created the universe and He created man in His own image (Genesis 1:27-28) and He saw that all that He had created was good (Genesis 1:31).
However the perfect condition of mankind tragically changed when Adam & Eve sinned by disobeying God in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-24).
As a result of sin, the condition of man was no longer perfect. Instead the following occurred:
• Man’s view of himself changed (Genesis 3:7)
• Man’s view of God changed (Genesis 3:8-11)
• Man’s view of one another changed (Genesis 3:12-13)
• Man’s relationship with the earth changed (Genesis 3:17-19)
Therefore the sin in man brought in imbalance to life. The unfairness that exists in life is because mankind is the primary reason for why life is unfair.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 describes the worsening condition of mankind in the last days.
It says: But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

Such a wicked condition of man’s heart explains why life is unfair. We live in a world where the love of man is growing cold; we seek only to satisfy our own fleshly desires instead of pleasing God; people do not love God and they do not love each other; we love darkness instead of light.

John 3:19-20 says: And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

Therefore life is unfair because evil exists and so both evil and the unfair circumstances we experience in the world entered because of the sin of Adam in the garden of Eden.
Romans 5:12 says: Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned

 

Life Is Unfair Because Satan is the god of this World – The Condition of the World
The world as we currently know it has systems and values that are controlled by satan. Therefore life is unfair because the Scriptures refer to satan as being the “god of this world” who has “blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4).
So the devil has introduced philosophies, values, methods, religions and even economic systems that are contrary to God or the kingdom of God.
In Matthew 4:8-10 the devil showed Jesus all the “kingdoms of the world and their glory” and promised to give them to Jesus in exchange for His worship.
Romans 12:2 tells us “not to be conformed to this world” but that we should renew our mind and discern the will of God.
In Genesis 1:28-30 we learn that mankind was initially given dominion over the earth and that as a creation who was made in God’s image, man was given a special role to be a steward over the earth.
However, Adam & Eve submitted to the devil’s temptation thereby allowing satan to establish his own demonic systems and authority in the world.
Therefore as satan’s kingdom wars against the kingdom of God, there are many circumstances and situations that will occur in our lives that reflect the injustice and unfairness of life in general.

 

What Should We Do When Life Is Unfair?

  • Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. It also says that in all our ways we are to acknowledge God and He will direct our paths. It’s therefore important to live our life by faith and trust in God – and not according to our feelings. We are to trust God that despite our situation or circumstances, God is in control and He will direct our path in life.
  • Romans 8:28 says “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose”.
    So even though there are situations or circumstances that are happening around us, we must take comfort in the fact that God is sovereign and He is in full control of everything that happens in the universe.
    There is nothing that surprises God. For every Christian believer, God is working all things for good. Therefore God can use bad situations for the good of the Christian believer.
  • Even though we live in a corrupt world, there will come a time when God will ultimately perfect all things once again. The devil is living on borrowed time. Satan was already defeated by Jesus at the Cross. Therefore the devil will soon meet his demise.
    God is a just God. God is a fair God. God will bring justice and all the world will know that God is indeed good. Psalms 37 says that we should not fret or be envious of wrongdoers for they will soon fade like the grass. God will one day bring balance and justice in a corrupt and unfair world.
  • Remember that no matter how tough life can be, God is with you and He will never leave you nor forsake you. There is nothing physical or spiritual that can separate you from God’s love and He can lead you and guide you through every situation because in Christ you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:31-39).
    We must take comfort in the knowledge that God is in control and a perfect place called Heaven awaits those who believe and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Therefore our current struggles are temporary.

 

DO YOU WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN or A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST???

1. ACKNOWLEDGE: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
This means that we have all broken God’s laws and God’s 10 Commandments like those mentioned in Exodus 20:1-17. For example, if you have told a lie; if you have stolen something; if you have lusted after somebody or if you have coveted. This means you are guilty of breaking at least one or more of God’s 10 Commandments. Breaking God’s commandments makes us sinners. The fact that we are sinners who have broken God’s law means that we are accountable to God who is the Lawgiver. Romans 6:23 says that “the wages of sin is death BUT the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”
You must acknowledge that you are a sinner who has broken God’s commandments and that you therefore need Jesus in your life.

2. REPENT: “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3), “Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19)
Repenting means: to change your mind; a sincere turning away, in heart, mind and action;
Therefore God wants you to repent of sinful values and of sinful living. God wants you to decide to
follow Him and to make Jesus the Lord of your life.

3. CONFESSION: “If we confess our sins. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9)
God is a forgiving God. God will forgive any sin that you have done because Jesus died for ALL your sins and to set you free from the bondage of all types of sin in your life.

4. BELIEVE: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
You must believe that ONLY Jesus can save you and restore your relationship with God. You must believe that Jesus is the ONLY way by which you can have everlasting life and escape from eternal separation from God. You must believe that Jesus died on the cross for you and resurrected from the grave.
“He came to His own, and His own did not receive him, But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:11-12)
By faith, You must receive Jesus as Your Lord & Savior and therefore; you become a child of God; you become born again; you become a Christian; you restore your broken relationship with God

 

Why Not Make Your Eternal Decision NOW?

We become born again Christians by GRACE through FAITH or TOTAL TRUST in Jesus Christ as our Lord & Savior (Galatians 3:26) & (Ephesians 2:8,9). Salvation is a FREE gift received through FAITH in Christ.

PLEASE NOTE: You can choose to pray in your own words. This prayer is a sample prayer and it is only an EXPRESSION of your faith, belief & trust in Jesus. Salvation is by GRACE through FAITH or BELIEVING in Christ Jesus as your Lord & Saviour.

“Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your love. I thank You that You died on the cross for me and resurrected so that I may have life through You.
I confess Lord that I have sinned against You and today I ask You to forgive me of all of my sins, past present and future.
Today I repent and have decided to follow you. Thank you for forgiving all my sins.
From this moment, come into my life Lord Jesus & take full control of my life. I want to follow You Jesus and I want to follow Your ways. Save me and from today, make me the person You want me to be.
I receive You Lord Jesus right now by faith. I trust You as my Lord and Savior – Amen”

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5 Ways To Overcome Worry & Anxiety

Oct. 18 Emotions & Thought Life, Prayer Comments Off on 5 Ways To Overcome Worry & Anxiety

In life we all worry about many different things. We worry about how to pay our bills; we worry about what is happening in our country or economy; we worry about our loved ones; we worry about food and clothing and generally we worry about our individual life.
Whilst worry and anxiety have always been a part of our human nature since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, the Bible however discourages people from worrying or from having anxious thoughts (Philippians 4:6-7).

It has been proven that worrying can affect your daily life so much that it can interfere with your sleeping patterns, your appetite, your job performance and even your interpersonal relationships.
Worrying can turn into depression and cause panic attacks. Worrying can also cause people to make harmful decisions or to look for ungodly solutions in order to find relief from their problems. For example people may think of suicide, overeating, alcohol and even drugs in order to supposedly get rid of their anxiety.
The search for peace however is not found in drugs, alcohol or even in suicide. The search for peace is found in God alone. Therefore the Bible instructs us regarding how we should overcome worry and anxiety in our life.

 

HOW TO OVERCOME WORRY & ANXIETY
Philippians 4:6-8 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:6-8 gives us instruction pertaining to what we ought to do in the face of anxiety.

 

1. We Must Learn to Pray
We must have a daily habit of communicating to God about every issue in our life. There is no issue or problem that is too big or too small for God to hear about when we pray to Him.
After all – God already knows everything and He knows us more than we know ourselves.
Philippians 4:6 says that we should not be anxious about anything – but instead we must pray about everything.
So we must come boldly to God in prayer with our worries, requests and supplications and we must trust that God will respond according to His divine will and plan for our life.
Therefore God is prepared to hear every issue that comes out of our mouth if we come to Him with a sincere heart.

 

2. We Must Always Be Thankful To God
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says we must “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
We must therefore consistently have an attitude of gratitude in our heart. Being thankful helps us to focus on the goodness of God rather than our negative circumstance.
Being thankful helps us to remember that God is able to help us and save us from the issues that trouble us.
Being thankful brings supernatural peace in our hearts and minds even in the midst of a chaotic situation.
Therefore an attitude of prayer and thankfulness brings the peace of God which surpasses all understanding.

 

3. Replace Anxious Thoughts With The Correct Thoughts
Philippians 4:8 says: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
So immediately after saying that we should not be anxious about anything but pray about everything – Paul then writes about having the correct thoughts.
In order for us to stop our anxious thoughts, we must ultimately remove them by replacing them with godly thoughts and godly meditation.
We must meditate on the word of God and on the promises of God in our life. We must remember the goodness and grace of God in our lives. We must think thoughts that always bring us back to Christ. Thinking the right thoughts will help you combat the temptation to worry or be anxious.

 

4. Trust In The Lord
Proverbs 3:5-6 says: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
Whenever we are anxious, we are communicating that we do not trust in God. Consistent anxiety demonstrates that we do not trust that God is in control. This is the very reason why God tells us not to worry or not to be anxious about anything.
We must therefore trust in the sovereignty of God and believe that He will direct our path.
Anxiety also demonstrates that we are relying on our own understanding of our problem or situation. However, trusting in God will reflect that we believe that God not only understands our situation – but He is able to deliver us out of it.
As Christians we are called to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Therefore the life of the Christian is a life of faith in God.

 

5. Seek First The Kingdom of God & His Righteousness
Matthew 6:33-34 – But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
From Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus addresses the issue of worrying about the details of life. Jesus tells us not to worry. Instead we must set our sights on God and His righteousness. God will provide our needs as we first seek His kingdom and His righteousness.
Anxiety has a tendency of taking our focus off God and the things of God. However we must always trust that all that is in the world belongs to God. The earth and everything in it already belongs to God (Psalm 24:1).
Therefore God will supply all our needs according to His riches (Philippians 4:19). We therefore should not worry or become anxious.

 

If God Exists Why Does He Allow Evil & Suffering?

Sep. 06 Apologetics, Emotions & Thought Life, The Nature of God Comments Off on If God Exists Why Does He Allow Evil & Suffering?

Many skeptics and atheists have asked some of these questions: If God exists, why doesn’t God stop innocent people from getting senselessly shot and killed by a crazy gunman; Why would God do nothing as a young child is raped and abused; Why would God watch people die from starvation every day or why doesn’t God stop a hurricane from destroying people’s homes and lives?
In other words – if God exists, and if God is loving, then why does He allow evil and suffering?

In order to understand the issue of evil and suffering and why they exist, we need to have an understanding of the following:

1. The Nature of Mankind
Mankind is sinful or imperfect. We are capable of doing evil things to each other because of the sinful condition of our heart. We are not only capable of harming others – but our own sinful actions can bring harm to ourselves or our own lives.

In Jeremiah 17:9, God says: “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?”

2 Timothy 3:1-4 says: But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God

Therefore, Scripture is clear that mankind contributes to the evil and suffering that is in the world because the condition of our own hearts are sinful.
For example, whenever we hear that someone cheated on his wife; or that somebody is abusing others; or when we lie and deceive one another – it is important to understand that these actions and many others such as those mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1-4, contribute to the suffering of others and to the evil that is in the world.
It is the nature of cause and effect. Our actions affect others directly or indirectly.

God has also given mankind freewill. Therefore man is not a machine – but instead man has the ability to make his own choices and decisions. This means that man has the freewill to make good choices and bad choices. God says “See, I set before you today life and good, death and evil…” (Deuteronomy 30:15-19).
Adam and Eve were given a choice in the Garden of Eden to either obey God or disobey Him. Eventually they decided to disobey God and as a result, a once perfect world became imperfect and full of evil because of the entrance of sin in the life of man and on the earth (Genesis 3:1-24).
Therefore mankind must accept responsibility and accountability for evil existing in the world. There is no human being in the world who can claim that he/she has never sinned or done anything bad.
Romans 3:10 says that “none is righteous, no, not one”.

 

2. God Can Use Evil To Fulfill His Plan & Purpose
In Genesis there is the story of a young man by the name of Joseph whose older brothers were so jealous of him that they planned to murder Joseph (Genesis 37:18). Later instead of killing Joseph, the brothers decided to throw Joseph in a pit and then they sold him as a slave to the Ishmaelites who then took him to Egypt to live as a slave (Genesis 37:26-28). In Egypt Joseph is falsely accused of rape by Potiphar’s wife and he’s thrown into prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
These bad circumstances in Joseph’s life depict and reflect some of the most unfair and terrible things that can happen to a person in life. One could say that Joseph did not deserve the evil and injustice that happened to him at the hands of his own family and in Egypt.
However the reality is that God is able to use all situations – whether good or evil to fulfill His own plan and purposes. Joseph himself came to this realization in the midst of his sufferings.
We learn that because of his trials Joseph grew spiritually and God used Joseph’s experiences to prepare him and mold him into the type of man that God wanted him to be. Even through his circumstances, the Bible depicts that God was with Joseph.
Joseph eventually meets his brothers who once tried to kill him at a time when his brothers were in great need of assistance. Joseph says to his brothers who had once tried to kill him by saying “… You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:19-20).

Many people who have gone through bad experiences or traumatic circumstances are often some of the most equipped people to help, empathize or counsel others to overcome the same issues.

Romans 8:28 says: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

God works ALL things together for GOOD. This means that God works BOTH good and bad situations for GOOD and for His own purposes.

 

3. God is Patient to Sinners
God is so loving that He is patient even to evil people. God is so loving that He is willing to give even the wicked a chance to repent and accepted Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:9 says: The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

The truth is, we are all sinners who are not deserving of Heaven. However, God is gracious, loving and patient towards us.
Therefore if it appears as if God is delaying justice; or if it appears as if God is not dealing with the problem of evil – it’s because God is also exercising patience towards those who are not born again Christians. God is still working to bring many people to repentance and to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour.
The apostle Paul is an example of a man who did wicked things before his conversion. Paul killed many Christians until he was converted by Jesus Christ. Therefore Christ showed patience, love and grace towards Paul who had once killed Christians (Acts 9:1-19).

 

4. God Is Sovereign and In Total Control
Even though evil exists and even though there appears to be so much confusion in the world – God is fully and always in control.
There is nothing that can surprise God and there is nothing that God cannot handle.
In Isaiah 46:9-10, God says that He declares the end from the beginning and that He shall accomplish all that He plans and purposes.
With our finite minds it is difficult to understand or grasp why God allows specific evil events to occur – such as the murder of innocent people or the abuse of a child.
When we read the book of Job in the Bible – Job suffered many pains and losses – yet in the end, God does not explain to Job the reasons why He allowed Job to suffer.
All we should know and trust as finite human beings is that God is sovereign and in control. He is able to use all situations for His plans and purposes. We must also know that eventually God will indeed rid the world of all evil.

 

The Difference Between Love & Infatuation

Jul. 07 Emotions & Thought Life, Love, Marriage & Family Comments Off on The Difference Between Love & Infatuation

Have you ever been in a relationship where you thought you loved someone and you thought you were going to spend your whole life together, but only to be heartbroken?
Have you ever been in a relationship where you thought you married a perfect loving person but only to discover that your loving relationship was not as “perfect” as you think? The person you once loved has become the person you hate or desire to break-up with.

It’s amazing that one of the most misunderstood words when it comes to the subject of relationships is the word “love”.
Many people want to be loved and many people want to be in love. However, it seems as if very few people understand the true meaning of love. Furthermore, few people are able to differentiate between love and infatuation.

What is Infatuation?
Infatuation is defined as an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something.

  • Therefore infatuation doesn’t last long; it happens instantly and quickly.
  • Infatuation is driven and fueled by lust; it is all about sex pleasure and physical affections
  • Infatuation believes that your partner or the person you desire is “perfect”; it makes you believe that you are in love with a someone who can do no wrong when realistically none of us are perfect
  • Infatuation makes you feel like you know everything about your partner but yet you have known your partner for a short time and most certainly may know very little about him.
  • Infatuation is interested in self-gratification or self-satisfaction; your passions are not about what you can give or contribute to the relationship – but your passions are about what you can get from the relationship
  • Infatuation can consist of pure intense feelings and very little volitional or rational thought. Therefore decisions are made purely out of feelings and emotions rather than rational reasoning.
  • Infatuation is therefore like a roller-coaster; One minute the relationship is great and the next minute the relationship is bad and then later its great again
  • Infatuation makes one overly jealous and over protective; it desires control but also fears loss
  • Infatuation cannot be satisfied; it usually wants more and if it does not get what is wants, it will look elsewhere which results in broken relationships.

 

 

What is Love?
Love is exactly the opposite of infatuation. Love is more than just feelings and emotions – but love is also about actions and principles.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says the following about the subject of love:
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

The truth is that all kinds of relationships will face tests and trials. There is no loving relationship that is immune to challenges and problems. The thing that binds relationships together is true love.
Any relationship that is bound by infatuation alone will never last.
However, love is what binds people together especially through trials and challenges in life. True love remains faithful through all situations. True love sees the flaws of others but still loves them regardless.
True love will always help to ensure that you try to do the right thing within your relationship. True love gives; it is not self-centred. It respects others and does not look for its own personal gain but it focuses on others.

Therefore understanding the difference between love and infatuation is one of the most important things in any relationship.

How to Deal with Depression

Oct. 22 Emotions & Thought Life, Prayer Comments Off on How to Deal with Depression

What is depression and how do we deal with depression? The Bible clearly tells us that we live in an imperfect, fallen world where we experience pain, hurt, fear and so many different emotions and feelings.
Jesus said that in this world we will experience problems and tribulations (John 16:33). Therefore it should not come as any surprise when we face circumstances and situations that may cause us to experience extreme sadness or some form of depression.

Depression can be defined as the following:
• feelings of severe despondency and dejection.
• a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person’s thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being
• a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies

People with a depressed mood may be notably sad, anxious, or empty; they may also feel notably hopeless, helpless, dejected, or worthless. Other symptoms expressed may include senses of guilt, irritability, or anger.
Depression affects how you feel about yourself and makes life more difficult to manage from day to day.

I think everybody has experienced some type of depression in his/her life. The issue is not that we get sad or depressed but the real issue is HOW we respond to depression or to situations that may have the potential to cause us to become depressed.

In the Bible the Psalms are a good example of where the psalmists would express sadness, fear, guilt and even depression. In the Psalms, David would write and often express his anxieties and depressions during different periods of his life.
However, what you would notice is that despite his anxiety and depression, David would always express hope and confidence in God. In the midst of his depressive situation, David would direct his hope and faith that God would comfort him and deliver him from his difficult situation.

Psalms 43:5 is an example where the psalmist expresses sadness and hurt but yet expresses hope and confidence in God in the midst of depression. The verse says: Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

In 1 Samuel 1, we also discover that Hannah had many depressive moments because of her problem of being barren. She couldn’t conceive and so she felt extremely sad and depressed.
However, the Bible shows us that Hannah’s solution to her situation was to direct her problem to God and pray to God for a child.
Therefore her trust and hope was in God to resolve her situation.

During times of sadness and depression, we should never continue to focus on our negative situation. We should also avoid suicidal thoughts. Instead we should be encouraged to turn to God and believe in the promises of God that he will protect and deliver us.
The Bible says “Cast your burdens on the Lord and He will sustain you” (Psalms 55:22).
Philippians 4:6 tells us that we should not worry about anything but instead we should pray to God about everything.
Therefore during a period of depression – express your feelings to God. Let God know about your hurt and pain. Don’t bottle up your feelings and pain but rather, cast all your anxieties on God because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

It’s important to also stay focused on God’s word and to meditate on His promises. Also give thanks and praise to God in your situation and you will find that the peace of God will rule your heart and mind.

 

If you’re going through depression and you have never had a relationship with God, it’s important that you give your life to God.
Without God in our life, we cannot be equipped to deal with many of the problems that come our way. In a world that if full of sin and problems, the only answer for every situation is Jesus Christ.
With Christ in us, we will have a relationship with God and we are equipped through Christ to deal with the challenges of life.

 

DO YOU WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN or A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST???

1. ACKNOWLEDGE: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13).
You must acknowledge that you are a sinner and that you therefore need Jesus in your life.

2. REPENT: “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3), “Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19)
Repenting means: to change your mind; a sincere turning away, in heart, mind and action;
Therefore God wants you to repent of sinful values and of sinful living. God wants you to decide to
follow Him and to make Jesus the Lord of your life.

3. CONFESSION: “If we confess our sins. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9)
God is a forgiving God. God will forgive any sin that you have done because Jesus died for ALL your sins and to set you free from the bondage of all types of sin in your life.

4. BELIEVE: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
You must believe that ONLY Jesus can save you and restore your relationship with God. You must believe that Jesus is the ONLY way by which you can have everlasting life and escape from eternal separation from God. You must believe that Jesus died on the cross for you and resurrected from the grave.
“He came to His own, and His own did not receive him, But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:11-12)
By faith, You must receive Jesus as Your Lord & Savior and therefore; you become a child of God; you become born again; you become a Christian; you restore your broken relationship with God

 

Why Not Make Your Eternal Decision NOW?

We become born again Christians by GRACE through FAITH or TOTAL TRUST in Jesus Christ as our Lord & Savior (Galatians 3:26) & (Ephesians 2:8,9). Salvation is a FREE gift received through FAITH in Christ.

PLEASE NOTE: You can choose to pray in your own words. This prayer is a sample prayer and it is only an EXPRESSION of your faith, belief & trust in Jesus. Salvation is by GRACE through FAITH or BELIEVING in Christ Jesus as your Lord & Saviour.

“Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your love. I thank You that You died on the cross for me and resurrected so that I may have life through You.
I confess Lord that I have sinned against You and today I ask You to forgive me of all of my sins, past present and future.
I repent of all of my sins and I ask You to cleanse me Jesus.
Thank You for forgiving my sins.
From this moment, come into my life Lord Jesus & take full control of my life. I want to follow You Jesus and I want to follow Your ways. Save me and from today, make me the person You want me to be.
I receive You Lord Jesus right now by faith. I trust You as my Lord and Savior – Amen”

Have you accepted & believed in Jesus Christ as a result of reading this article? If so please acknowledge by clicking the “I Have Accepted Jesus Christ” button below

How to Overcome the Fear of Dying

Aug. 31 Emotions & Thought Life Comments Off on How to Overcome the Fear of Dying

When we think about fear and the various things in life that we are afraid of – there are at least 3 common reasons as to why people have anxieties and fears in their life.
1. As people we fear the things and circumstances that we can’t control
2. As people we fear the unknown and the uncertain things in our life
3. As people we fear the things and the situations that we don’t understand

Therefore when it comes to the fear of death or the fear of dying, there are many of us who have a fear of the unknown.
For many of us, death is an unpleasant thing to think about or dwell on because its unpleasantness brings with it fear and anxiety.

If ever you’ve thought about death, you might at some point have asked yourself the following questions: “What happens when I die?”; “Is there an after-life?”; “What will happen to my family and loved ones when I die?”

It’s perfectly normal and valid to ask ourselves these questions. These questions are not only normal and valid but they also need to be answered.

So, how can you be certain what happens when you die? How can you be prepared for the inevitability of death? And how can we overcome the fear of death?

 

Acceptance
We need to accept that in an imperfect and fallen world, death cannot be avoided. As people we experience conception, birth and then death.
So it’s important to accept that our physical bodies will eventually die. Everyone will die at some point in life.
The Bible says that it’s appointed for man to die once and then after that comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27)

 

Certainty of the After-life
One of the reasons why people fear death is because some of us are not sure if there is an after-life or where we will go when we die. Others might think that one just seizes to exist after death, but still this belief does not remove the fear of death.

Jesus said that He is the way, the truth and the life and that no one will go to Heaven without Him (John 14:6).
The Bible also says that He who has the Son has life and He who does not have the Son of God does not have eternal life (1 John 5:12).

Therefore you can overcome the fear of death when you know and believe that you are going to a better place – and Heaven IS a better place.
The person who goes to Heaven is the person who has trusted and believed in Jesus Christ as his/her Lord and Saviour.
Also in John 14:2 Jesus says that in His Father’s house there are many mansions or many rooms and that He has prepared a place for us who accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour and trust that the only way to Heaven is through Him.

 

Change Your Perception of Death
Death is never a good thing. Death came about because of the sin of mankind.
However, another way of overcoming death is to change our perception of death.
Instead of seeing death as the end – if you’re a born again Christian – death is a departure from an imperfect and fallen world and the arrival into a world that is perfect and without blemish.
Therefore the Christian believer does not need to fear death because He will be with God in Heaven where everything is perfect.
The Bible says that to be absent from the body is to be with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:8).

 

Conclusion
Do you have the fear of death? Are you afraid of dying? Do you know what will happen to you when you die? Do you know where you will go when you die?
All the answers to these questions come only from one Person – Jesus Christ.
The only way to have eternal life and to be in Heaven when you die is through Jesus Christ and having a relationship with the living God.
Today if you’re not sure where you will go when you die, or if you’re afraid of death – Jesus Christ can give you peace and you can accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Saviour.

 

DO YOU WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN or A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST???

1. ACKNOWLEDGE: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13).
You must acknowledge that you are a sinner and that you therefore need Jesus in your life.

2. REPENT: “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3), “Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19)
Repenting means: to change your mind; a sincere turning away, in heart, mind and action;
Therefore God wants you to repent of sinful values and of sinful living. God wants you to decide to
follow Him and to make Jesus the Lord of your life.

3. CONFESSION: “If we confess our sins. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9)
God is a forgiving God. God will forgive any sin that you have done because Jesus died for ALL your sins and to set you free from the bondage of all types of sin in your life.

4. BELIEVE: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
You must believe that ONLY Jesus can save you and restore your relationship with God. You must believe that Jesus is the ONLY way by which you can have everlasting life and escape from eternal separation from God. You must believe that Jesus died on the cross for you and resurrected from the grave.
“He came to His own, and His own did not receive him, But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:11-12)
By faith, You must receive Jesus as Your Lord & Savior and therefore; you become a child of God; you become born again; you become a Christian; you restore your broken relationship with God

 

Why Not Make Your Eternal Decision NOW?

We become born again Christians by GRACE through FAITH or TOTAL TRUST in Jesus Christ as our Lord & Savior (Galatians 3:26) & (Ephesians 2:8,9). Salvation is a FREE gift received through FAITH in Christ.

PLEASE NOTE: You can choose to pray in your own words. This prayer is a sample prayer and it is only an EXPRESSION of your faith, belief & trust in Jesus. Salvation is by GRACE through FAITH or BELIEVING in Christ Jesus as your Lord & Saviour.

“Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your love. I thank You that You died on the cross for me and resurrected so that I may have life through You.
I confess Lord that I have sinned against You and today I ask You to forgive me of all of my sins, past present and future.
I repent of all of my sins and I ask You to cleanse me Jesus.
Thank You for forgiving my sins.
From this moment, come into my life Lord Jesus & take full control of my life. I want to follow You Jesus and I want to follow Your ways. Save me and from today, make me the person You want me to be.
I receive You Lord Jesus right now by faith. I trust You as my Lord and Savior – Amen”

Have you accepted & believed in Jesus Christ as a result of reading this article? If so please acknowledge by clicking the “I Have Accepted Jesus Christ” button below

The Secret to Happiness

Jul. 28 Emotions & Thought Life, Purpose Comments Off on The Secret to Happiness

Can money, wealth, fame & material possessions lead to everlasting joy and happiness? Could these things be what every person needs in order to be happy?
Ironically the majority of us seek after these things more than we seek anything else.

You might hear someone say: “if I had a lot of money – then that would make me happy”. Then when that person obtains the wealth and riches that he wanted, you discover some years later that the person got depressed and committed suicide.

You might hear another person say: “if I could just get a good job then I would be happy”. However, years after getting the job, you discover that person is not happy or satisfied with their job or career.

You might know someone who seeks just a bit more of that drug in order to get himself high because he feels that the more he takes drugs the more happy he will become. A few years later, you might discover that person has died from a drug overdose.

The truth is this – happiness isn’t found in possessions or a dependence on things.
Jesus said that our life does not consist in the abundance of things (Luke 12:15).

Neither money nor wealth nor material possessions can be deemed as evil within themselves.
However, when we observe the life of famous & wealthy people it’s easy to realize that the answer to happiness or joy does not lie in riches or fame but it lies in something much greater.
If rich & famous people fall into depression to the point of committing suicide then it means that neither their wealth nor their fame was enough to stop the depression nor prevent them from taking their own life.

If we desire to find the true secret to happiness then we need to look beyond the things that are temporary. If one’s happiness is based upon something temporary – like money – then that person’s happiness will die/end when the money runs out.

There are certain issues in one’s life – such as anxiety, depression and addiction that cannot be dealt with simply by having a lot of money or by being famous. Fame cannot deal with depression because such issues are internal issues.
Depression, anxiety, addiction and even suicidal thoughts are issues that affect the soul and spirit of a person. They affect the inward part of us.

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus says “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth & rust destroy & where thieves break in & steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys & where thieves do not break in & steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be”.
In the scripture above, Jesus encourages us not to inwardly dedicate ourselves to seeking after the temporary because the temporary will ultimately be destroyed. Happiness does not lie in the temporary.
Instead Jesus urges us to seek after the eternal things in heaven where nothing can be stolen or destroyed.

In John 15:11 Jesus says “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full”.
The kind of joy that Jesus gives us is the joy that remains inside of us despite the external circumstances. Therefore, it’s possible to go through challenges in your life but still have the joy of the Lord inside of you. It’s possible to go through a difficult situation but still remain confident in the Lord and have the peace of God which surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).
True joy is found when we set our hearts on the eternal things in heaven and when we accept Jesus Christ as being the ultimate source of everlasting joy.
The truth is – without Jesus, we cannot have everlasting happiness.