We all want happiness. It’s basically the pursuit of our lives on earth.

But it’s confusing; there are lots of different philosophies on how to find happiness. Unless taught otherwise man’s default belief is to pursue happiness through pleasure. Pleasure for the body and mind. That usually means food, fun, and thrills increasing in intensity as you develop your sensibility.

It’s becomes a never-ending obsession of pleasure seeking. The secular world teaches that happiness is pleasure. And pleasure is happiness.

Earthly trappings like big houses, delicious food, health, wealth, sex, cars, travel and leisure therefore become the pursuit of life. The Disneyland tagline “The Happiest Place on Earth” comes to mind. What a great tagline, but it’s just a tagline.

The problem is that you can absorb any level of pleasure and still want more. It’s my belief that true happiness cannot be derived through just pleasure.

So, living a life that goes from pleasure to pleasure is an empty existence without foundation.

The antidote to this problem is to cultivate an eternal perspective. Cultivating an eternal perspective, one that sees beyond this earth with an eye of faith, provides a deeper understanding of life’s purpose.

I propose that true happiness lies in peace, not pleasure.

The word ‘peace’ can be ambiguous. I’m not referring solely to the absence of war, which is one aspect of peace. Instead, I’m talking about a peace that is the absence of angst, anger, and distress. The peace I’m talking about means you’re content, secure, and satisfied with your life as it is. Not as it could be. Not as you wish it were. Not sometime in the future.

Without conditions. Without limitations. Despite struggles and the trials of life.

I’m talking about a peace that settles the mind and heart, transcending the pursuit of fleeting pleasures. True happiness is found in a peaceful existence.

How do you get this peace?

It’s a lifetime pursuit, but there is only one source of true peace. God.

God’s Spirit was given to the earth and can enter your soul, granting you peace. While always available, God’s Spirit only enters when invited and a welcoming environment is cultivated.

There are two major forces on earth. Good and evil. Evil is constantly pulling for you to eschew God and seek earthly pleasure.

But this pleasure is a seductive lie that has been served up as truth.

God is good and he beckons to you to seek his spirit. He doesn’t use tricks or lies. He’s more subtle than that.

God’s truth and Spirit aren’t readily taught anymore. You have to seek it out. But it’s all there if you search the scriptures.

I know because I’ve lived with and without the Holy Spirit of God. I know the difference. Living without God in the world is harsh.

But living with God’s spirit is completely transformative.

God’s spirit drives out anger, frustration, panic, strife, contention, judgement, pettiness, and so much more.

Anyone can experience the spirit of God.

Here are ways to invite the God’s Spirit.

• Prayer
• Fasting
• Reading scriptures
• Avoiding Sin
• Helping Others
• Taking Care of Yourself
• Loving Others
• Listening to good music
• Reading quality books
• Avoiding bad influences
• Living within your means
• Saving money
• Working hard
• Active Listening
• Journaling
• Peaceful Interactions
• Forgiving Others
• Going to Church
• Spending quality time outdoors
• Practicing Abstinence
• Resisting temptation
• Avoiding Drugs and Alcohol
• Working with your hands
• Reasonable exercise

 

Seek peace, not pleasure. Seek God’s Spirit. Fill your heart and home with the love of God, and you’ll experience a happiness and joy beyond what you thought possible.