Why Happiness Isn’t Enough

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11

If I were to ask you, “What makes you happy?”–what would you say? For me, it’s the little things. The laughter of my children. Hugs and tickles. Chocolate cake and raspberry tea.

But then there are times when I’m not so happy. Like when my children are disobedient and are unkind to one another. When the excitement of chocolate dessert has worn off and I’m left with the guilt of eating that third piece of cake (I know, that’s terrible!)

I have observed over the years that there is a “happiness tank” built within each of our hearts. People and experiences can give us a surge of happiness that fills our tanks and makes us feel good inside.

But because we are born into this world of sin, all of our tanks have a hole in the bottom.

When something makes us happy, we are “filled” with happiness for a moment, but our happiness doesn’t last very long. It seeps out of our tanks like a leaky faucet when we are disappointed and hurt.

We are smitten by a new relationship, but our happiness drains then our loved ones cause us pain. Happiness from a new job slowly wanes when we realize that the work is difficult and draining. The new house that made us so happy at first now doesn’t seem to satisfy us after years of cleaning the same rooms over and over!

So what is it that makes you happy? Will you feel the same way three months from now? A year from now? In a few years will it be someone or something else?

The thing is, our sole purpose in life is not to find happiness. 

We were not created to merely find pleasure for ourselves, but to please God and enjoy him forever. God created our happiness tanks to be forever filled with His joy, which flows much deeper in our souls than a temporal sense of happiness. He is the only one who can completely fill our tanks with love.

And His love never drains away.

Christ fills the hole in our tanks so that we are satisfied with the goodness and grace of his eternal power, hope and strength.

So happiness just isn’t enough to keep us going. Jesus fills us with unspeakable joy in the midst of our circumstances. We can have joy even when human relationships fail us.

Happiness is temporal; but Christ’s joy is eternal. [bctt tweet=”Happiness is temporal; but Christ’s joy is eternal.” username=”christinbaker12″]

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11

Find true joy in the love of Christ!

So instead of asking, “What makes you happy?” perhaps the better question is “Who brings you abundant joy?” Here the familiar Sunday School answer will suffice:

His name is Jesus.

He came as a tiny, vulnerable baby to bring joy to the world.

I pray that you experience this complete, full, and abundant joy that will reverberate into eternity.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11

Thanks for reading!

Linking with Kate’s Five Minute Friday!

4 thoughts on “Why Happiness Isn’t Enough”

    1. Thanks so much for visiting, Nicki! Blessings to you this blessed advent season, and may you be filled with Christ’s eternal joy!

  1. Wow, Christin! I feel like I’ve found a kindred spirit. (Smile) I also wrote about our search for happiness this past week and your words so beautifully share what has been on my heart. Your site is beautiful; can’t wait to read more. May God bless you as you share about His love.

    1. Aww, Carlie! You made my day! 🙂 Thank you so much for your kind words, and I love how the internet can bring such a sweet connection between sisters in Christ all over the world! Can’t wait to check out your post too. 🙂 Blessings to you this holiday season!!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top