Happiness Is Contentment.

Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV): Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

The United States Declaration of Independence includes these famous words: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Pursuit of happiness! Everybody wants to be happy, and everybody deserves to be. But where does one find happiness?

Is happiness found in the beautiful skyline of Dubai or the breathtaking beaches of Seychelles?

No.

Am I happier when I am richer, more powerful, and surrounded by glamorous possessions? Or when I attain the so-called "American dream"?

Again, the answer is an emphatic no.

The Bible shows us that happiness resides in contentment.

What is contentment?

Contentment is a settled sense of satisfaction with what you have and who you are, without a restless need for more or something different. It isn't the absence of desire or ambition; it's the tranquility of a soul that doesn't depend on circumstances changing.

It's the peace that passes all understanding.

Nothing is more serene than a contented soul. Nobody is happier than a soul eternally satisfied in her lot. Nothing shall move her, and great shall be her peace.

The apostle Paul shows us that contentment can be learned: "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Philippians 4:11, NKJV). It's less a feeling that arrives and more a posture of the heart, anchored in trusting God's sufficiency rather than in what is present or missing.

You want to be happy? Be content with such things as you have.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, teach my heart to be satisfied in You. Rid me of covetousness. May the quiet confidence of knowing that You are my ever-present Shepherd inspire joy and happiness in me forever. Amen