“A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 AMP

There is much today being said about fulfillment and happiness. Many believe the lie that wealth, power, or material gain will bring happiness to the heart. Nothing could be further from the truth! We read in the opening book of the Bible the following:

“then the LORD God formed [that is, created the body of] man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being [an individual complete in body and spirit].”

Genesis 2:7 AMP

The process of man’s creation began with the design of a container. Formed from the dust of the ground, the body is simply the vehicle by which we experience this creation of God. Once that process was finished, the body was simply an empty container much like a new car waiting for an owner to take control. The second step in the creation process was for God to breath into the body a living spirit. The spirit is really the essence of who we are. That piece of man was a gift from God Himself! Everything seems to be going on well until the enemy entered the story. Satan tempted Eve with the desire to be like God. The flesh couldn’t resist the opportunity and we know the rest of the story! Once sin entered the equation, man’s destiny was cast to be a life of pain and struggle. Even the creation itself was affected by their decision. Separated from God by his sin, man struggled to find fulfillment and happiness!  But God had a plan!

How foolish of man to think that that which is corrupted can bring comfort or fulfillment to that which is also corrupted! Because he was separated from God, the part of him that was given from God would never be satisfied without being able to reconnect with the creator. That empty void became the place men began to put all kinds of things that are temporal to try and fulfill that which is eternal! The Scripture tells us clearly that this is a futile process!

“Do not love the world [of sin that opposes God and His precepts], nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world–the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]–these do not come from the Father, but are from the world. 17The world is passing away, and with it its lusts [the shameful pursuits and ungodly longings]; but the one who does the will of God and carries out His purpose’s lives forever”

1 John 2:15-17 AMP

The futility of trying to fill the hole left in our hearts that belongs to God is maddening! The heart cries out to be comforted but the only place of comfort is in the presence of the Lord! When a man repents of his sin and receives the forgiveness of Christ’s sacrifice, all things are made new. It is the “joy of the Lord” that is our strength! It is eternal and everlasting, never fading, always reaching, totally fulfilling. That restoration of the relationship broken in the garden is what makes a heart happy! Even in the darkest hours of life we know that the is still hope! It is that hope and confidence that people are trying to find in the obscene lifestyles that we see demonstrated around us today! The Apostle Paul tells us that those who are without Christ experience hopelessness.

“Therefore, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, who are called “Uncircumcision” by those who called themselves “Circumcision,” [itself a mere mark] which is made in the flesh by human hands– 12remember that at that time you were separated from Christ [excluded from any relationship with Him], alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise [with no share in the sacred Messianic promise and without knowledge of God’s agreements], having no hope [in His promise] and [living] in the world without God. 13But now [at this very moment] in Christ Jesus you who once were [so very] far away [from God] have been brought near [b]by the blood of Christ.”

Ephesians 2:11-13 AMP

Let me ask you today, “Is Christ enough?” If you are totally satisfied with your standing with God through Christ, why then try to quell the discomfort of the flesh with things that will never satisfy? Remember that “The joy of the Lord is our strength!” Live in the love and grace of the Father and experience the peace that passes understanding. Have a joyful day! Pastor Ken