Your trial has ended, and now God's about to open up the windows of heaven to bless you beyond your wildest dreams!!!! It doesnt seem natural, though other people wont notice either the awkwardness or the heroism involved. Are you holding something against another person? (Genesis 3:6). But in what sense is he saving us right now? I just want to testify that much Christian obedience consists in waiting for God to do what we need him to do when the timing seems very slow to us. In other words, escaping from something we dont like isnt always Gods will. God's Beauty for the Bored, Busy, and Depressed 2. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. Show me the expectations that You want me to have for my spouse and my marriage. I have been praying, and I will keep praying for God to be my strength but how do you fight when you dont feel like fighting? It is important to distinguish between an unhappy marriage and a toxic/destructive marriage. All the negative experiences were indispensable steps toward his destiny, which ended up blessing not only him but his own people as well. God Doesn't Want Me to Be Unhappy, Does He? | Living News Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. And what's wrong with the self-obsessed, individualistic culture that dominates our world today? The point is that in the midst of the battle, you did some good. For What Would You Say, Im Brooke McIntire. Here are four tips to get your kids to play outside. He has been a friend and spiritual advisor to ten American presidents and has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history - nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories - through various meetings. How to Be Happy in an Unhappy Marriage | Today's Christian Woman Bottom line: If happiness is your primary expectation of marriage, you will most likely find yourself disillusioned and disappointed. formId: "91611caf-fa17-435c-a94d-138e410e1956" It would be impossible. She told me God told her to get a divorce, even though it was clear the marriage could be saved. Could you imagine walking without any feeling in your legs? And in the process, I have become more conformed to His image. My persecution, my famine, my nakedness, my lossas painful and as tearful as they areare my servants. Things you used to take for granteda good nights sleep, having goals, looking forward to the futurenow seem beyond your reach. There are many degrees of discouragement on a continuum into the most debilitating kind of depression, and youll certainly want to be alert to that. - Quora Answer (1 of 5): Leading philosophers who have thought deeply about life have concluded that happiness is a very fleeting experience in most lives and some have suggested that it is fulfilment that we need to aim for. Often, when people talk about being happy, theyre usually referring to how they feel about their circumstances--things like their job, their relationships, their hobbies, and their health. And the man or woman who walks out of that cell will be 100 times better, because they were willing to let God take His time while they were doing time in their own personal prison. Losing our temper produces a brief feeling of happiness because we get to let off steam. Sometimes Ill go through a trying situation and feel like Ive completely lost. davegipson@hotmail.com | November 26, 2014 I recently got a Facebook message from a well-meaning Christian friend: "God has seen everything you've been going through, and He told me to tell you 'IT'S OVER'! Though Joseph was gifted by God to interpret dreams, he lacked tact and wound up dumped in a well. We are to show God's love to everyoneincluding difficult people. It would all be very mechanical, but it could be done. Paul says, "Sorrowful yet always rejoicing. Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. Will Graham Devotion: Hows Your American Dream Going? He learned wisdom and maturity to go with his spiritual gifts. Reading for fun reaches record low in US amid decline test scores: report, Iranian pastor sent to prison over 1,000 miles from his home, David Jeremiah shares how Christians should prepare for the End Times (part 2), At least 400 acts of violence committed against Christians in India in first half of 2023: report, Why smaller churches must be better at hospitality than larger churches, Timothy Plans proactive approach to combat human trafficking, There should be no argument: No one has the right to harm any child. Think about it if a father loves his child, he wont just cater to his childs wants and grant wishes like a genie. Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. Local: 704-401-2432 The people who love you are looking for some emotional response from you, but you do not have one to give. God wants you to be happy because heGodcreated us and the world out of an overflow of his own happiness. One anonymous young woman writes in with a question. Every ounce of good in this world comes from God. So we want to be able to delight in obedience and see it as the path to the happiness that God wants us to have. The reality is that culture has changed and the beliefs we carry about marriage often mirror those changes. Does God Want Me to Be Happy? - Biola University Number 1: God never promises that we will be happy. These days depression affects as much as 25 percent of the population. God wants us to remain faithful to our vows because He knows broken hearts, broken marriages, and broken homes can be redeemed for His ultimate glory. The last thing I would say: Take hold of one or two specific promises. (Amy DiMarcangelo). It helps me remember that by no means am I the only warrior in this fight against the devil.. Instead of changing our situation, He may want to change us to give us the patience and the inner strength we need to stay with it. Then make it your goal to be faithful in your responsibilities, and to ask Him every day for His strength and contentment wherever He puts you. God desires us to stay faithful to our vows because He understands that broken marriages, hearts and homes can be redeemed for His glory. But He promises that, in the end, it will all be worth it. David says, In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Pray for safety, vulnerability, and skills to work through the issues that are sure to arise in your marriage. He is running after another god. Nay, unless they establish their complete happiness in him, they will never give themselves truly and sincerely to him. January 12, 2012 He is growing you, streeeeeeeetching you, maturing you. The Trinity delights in each other. Thats my prayer for you. Find ways you can bless them freely, without expectation. Gods word, the Bible, is specifically designed for these seasons of testing. If God Wants Me to Be Happy, Why Do I Have So Much Suffering? Pastor, Worship Leader, Author, Award-Winning Composer. Abuse of any kind is not acceptable in Gods design for mutual submission as couples grow together in Him. Henri Nouwen states, " marriage is foremost a vocation. This is so discouraging because I moved many miles so that I could come to this school. Jim Johnston is senior pastor of Tulsa Bible Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the author of. No, God doesnt want you to be unhappy, but this doesnt necessarily mean that you ought to quit your job, or that this would be Gods solution to your unhappiness. Open your heart and life to Jesus Christ, and then seek His will about your future. Forgiveness for your sins is not the answer here because you are not the one who was wrong. Is the slippery slope argument against ordaining women valid? When God Wants You Unhappy - Theology Mix The hard news is there are times when its Gods will for us to be held in a trying situation. Then God gave Adam and Eve one test of loyalty: staying away from one specific tree and not eating its fruit, while having thousands of other trees full of fruit they could enjoy. Topics: Work. This is what a good father does. They hedge their bets. Declare your allegiance to Jesus in and through specific promises, like these two that I thought of for you in closing: Psalm 139:1112, If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night, even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. What feels like darkness to you is not darkness to God. Happy Sunday! And yet, God allowed Job to endure devastating circumstances. I dont know her well enough. 6. These gods promise joy, but they deliver misery. God doesn't want you happy when it causes you to do something wrong or unwise God calls us to holiness, not to happiness. Remember your purpose for living. And he had enemies all around him. Many people have taken this journey ahead of you. If a few good friends are all telling you the same thing, don't discount it just because it's not what you want to hear. what a super post! Still, this doesn't mean God wants us to stay in unhappy . Your world is dark, heavy, and painful. Then make it your goal to be faithful in your responsibilities, and to ask Him every day for His strength and contentment wherever He puts you. As believers, we can choose whether we will hold grudges or practice grace, but if we are truly following Him, the choice has already been made. One purpose that is always right in front of you is to love another person. The trek begins with one step, then another. And what's more God alone is good. 3. And then he says, "No. In Psalm 69:1-2, David relates his feelings of despair and distress as being akin to sinking into deep murky waters with no foothold. Leslie Vernick A fter two failed marriages, Janice decided to try one more time for the relationship she dreamed of. Feel the warm fuzzies draining from your body. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. This isnt a Disney movie where everything ends happily ever after because there is no ever after. So many things about your life are difficult right now. When you're depressed, recognize it and begin to confront yourself as to why you're depressed. Suffering was not part of the equation at all! Joseph learned a great deal in his prison. Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone by making a one-time donation today. . David says, The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply. If we know anything about God, we know that He comes close to those who suffer, so keep your eyes open for Him. Jesus death on the cross proves Gods love for you. Instead, He encourages us to start with Jesus. Isnt that amazing that God takes into account the fragile frame that we have as humans? God wants us to be happy, but the temporary thrill sin provides is not true happiness. So the next time youre in a conversation and someone says God just wants me to be happy, remember these three things:
Theres nothing wrong with wanting to be happy, but the next time someone says God just wants us to be happy, remember these 3 things: First, God never promises that we will be happy. When Jesus Christ lived as a human, He had to deal with many difficult people. As Paul said, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death (Phil. Were on a mission to change that. But we may be mistaking physical and temporary pleasure for happiness. Thats more than a blessing, thats a miracle because Im a Plan B person & always have been, yes, even with the Lord. Hes the sibling who bragged to all his brothers God would make him ruler over them all. But He does promise abundant life, and that starts now, regardless of circumstances. God doesnt decree your trial is over just because I posted some message on your Facebook page. That is the path to joy. Crossway is a not-for-profit Christian ministry that exists solely for We must understand Gods design for us as individuals if we are to understand His design for marriage. But quite a few believers struggle to experience joy. But the life God wants for us is more than circumstantial happiness, not less. Im going to depend on you to know yourself and your history and your physical condition and to get the help you need in that regard, but let me just point to a few wonderful, spiritual, biblical, God-given truths that he means for your help and strength right now. . But in what sense is he saving us right now? And theyre not happy. Chronic illness, difficult marriages, losing a childdoesn't God want me to be happy? How long will it take before it is effective? And he does it in and through circumstances.
Instead, depression seems to go to your very soul, affecting everything in its path. Am I going crazy? But the cross of Christ is still the answer. Sign God Is Trying to Get Your AttentionFriendly Fire. He remembers that we are dust. If you are grieving or suffering, you may not realize that God has specific joys for you in your present circumstance. Proverbs 12:16 promotes patience in our relationships: "A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.". The Pope, the prime minister and the elephant in the room, We can thank gay activists for todays epidemic of trans confusion, Freedom without choice is no true freedom at all, 'The Chosen' actor details encounter with Holy Spirit: 'From the outside in, He overtook me', David Jeremiah shares how Christians should prepare for the End Times: Ignore it at your own peril (part 2), This week in Christian history: Methodist preacher dies, Eritrean Orthodox patriarch under house arrest attends first service, Woman who says Christ freed her from demons of rejection warns believers about oppression, Author Jonathan Cahn on revealing the mystery, striking parallels between ancient gods and current chaos, Kirk Cameron demands investigation of American Library Association for religious discrimination, What are Messianic Jews and what do they believe about Jesus, salvation, the New Testament. Depressed people are very vulnerable to Satans claim that God is not good. But we must declare a strong, resounding No to anything that promises good without him. Rather than being temporary or fluctuating, Joy stays, because its based on the permanency of God. The life God wants for you is so much more than a circumstantial feeling of happiness. He describes, Although happiness is often a very real byproduct of a healthy relationship, marriage is designed to pull dysfunction to the surface of our lives, set it on fire and help us grow. Start with Christ and His love for you. Does God want us to be happy? | GotQuestions.org To the Depressed Christian | Cru They recognize that medication is a blessing, when it helps, but recognize its limits. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. I am waiting, but not complaining or panickingFor once! Does God want me to be unhappy? - Quora But how can one keep warm alone? A joyful Christian believes this truth. Instead of trying to raise your view of yourself, come at it from a completely different angle. He delights in them. Even Jesus said that his disciples should expect difficulties in the world. Thats hellish. God's Work in Your Depression | Desiring God He may also be using you to help someone else trapped there. I want to quit, but my wife says I shouldn't. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 I learned how to have mini-strokes, how to experience a level of stress id never known before, and to become incensed with a level of anger i was not sure how to manage. A good father is going to set up boundaries so his kid doesnt get hurt. Tozer describes, "No man should desire to be happy who is not at the same time holy. As opposed to happiness, God is totally invested in making you complete, fulfilled, and mature (James 1:4). Does God want me to be single forever? - Stephanie May Wilson Blog Stop fighting, and embrace what God wants you to learn and who He wants you to help there in that cell next to yours. Is there a lack of sex or physical affection in your marriage? 30 Morning Prayers to Start Each Day with God, 7 Soundtracks for Every Feeling in the Christian Life, Friendship with the Holy Spirit - First15 - July 12. Second, what makes us happy is not always whats best. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. Answer. Marriage is one of our greatest teachers because at its heart marriage surfaces the reality of who we are, what we expect, and how we engage others. Amy is a graduate student at Westminster Theological Seminary and lives in New Jersey with her husband and three children. Pray for wisdom and humility to reach out for counseling to help you heal and grow together. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts. Stop blaming your spouse for your unhappiness. But when depression descends, you may notice a passing thought about death, then another, and another, until death acts like a stalker. Keep your heart open to the fact that the Bible has much to say to you when you are depressed. Learn how your comment data is processed. Dear Abba Father,I long to know your healing in every area of my heart and in my marriage. Shame is different from guilt. Pray. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Make Psalm 88 and Psalm 86 your personal prayers to God. I can relate because I believe I have a thorn in my side! I often think of the Apostle Paul in this connection. Biblically speaking, spouses dont have the right to simply dissolve an unhappy marriage. And a woman who divorces her husband so she can marry someone else commits adultery.". Please click here to learn how. Does this mean that God wants us to remain in an unhappy marriage? Proverbs 20:3 commends peace-making: "It is to one's honor . A young woman knows that she shouldnt marry a non-Christian, but she thinks she will find love and security in this relationship, even though God is not in it. After all, wouldnt you be even more unhappy if you found yourself unemployed for an extended period of time? Is this depression? What he's called us to and what he's forbid us from is a reflection of his loving heart for us. You arent alone. After all, wouldn't you be even more unhappy if you found yourself unemployed for an extended period of time? Now that good that he works in and through them is the foundation of my happiness. I'm normally an optimistic person and full of life. There are so many ways that we can foster a hunger for Jesus, but the most important and primary thing is to be praying for the Holy Spirit to change our hearts. Solicitation Disclosure Statement I can only imagine the blank stares Id receive. Thats not from heaven. Look to God and his will for every good gift in your life. What then shall we say to these things? 8. Best of all, God gives us himself. But He does promise abundant life, and that starts now, regardless of circumstances. Because God wouldnt want me to be unhappy, would He?. I can no longer stroll through my many childrens classrooms, chat with their teachers at lunch, or go on field trips with them or visit parties during the work day.. Now my own disabled children are being treated in the same callous and ignorant way as those I previously advocated for, so perhaps that is the purpose of all of this? He does it with the gospel. When God Wants You Unhappy - DAVE GIPSON How can someone live without feelings? I was never able to make her provide preschoolers with bus services, and for that I am I am eternally sorrowful. And that's what The Happiness Dare is all . Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Third, Gods priority is his glory, which leads to real joy. They're not just in chains in prison. Verse 13 says, As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. He knows our frame. . Hello Pastor John! (Romans 5:6-8, 1 John 4:9,10). (Psalm 16:11). Regarding marriage, Malachi 2: 15-16(NIV) says, Has not the one God made you? First Corinthians 10:13, No testing and you probably know as a student with your Greek that the words temptation and testing are the same in Greek No testing has overtaken you but what is common to man. Had no understanding of development, no understanding of the law related to children with disabilities. (Full disclosure: I may have actually miscounted the number of exclamation points. Without them you have no drive, no motivation. If you answered yes to one or more of these, chances are high that you are living in an unhappy marriage. He and He alone knows when youre ready to be free. ;0). He should spend his efforts in seeking to know and do the will of God, leaving to Christ the matter of how happy he should be. And they're delicious. I feel oppressed by the powers of this dark world, and I dont see an escape. God seems far away when we suffer. God is with you, and He calls you to reach out to someone who will listen, care, and pray for you. In other words, escaping from something we don't like isn't always God's will.