Being happy

It is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge (Psalm 73:28).

Everyone wants to feel happy. But it’s hard to be happy if you’re afraid or lonely. It’s impossible to experience happiness if you are consumed with anger or wracked with guilt. If only we could be rid of fear and loneliness, anger and guilt. But how can you stop being afraid when you’ve been diagnosed with aggressive cancer? How can you stop feeling lonely after burying a loved one? How can you be free of anger when someone hurts you and feels no remorse? How can you be free of guilt when you’ve done something terrible and there’s no way to fix it?

Maybe you’ve tried to make things better by reading a self-help book or spending time with a therapist. Maybe you’ve sought comfort from a wine glass or pill bottle. Maybe you have gotten to the point where happiness seems forever out of reach. If so, I want to reassure you that happiness is possible, regardless of the challenges in your life. There is a way to effectively deal with fear and loneliness, anger and guilt. You can find happiness if you let Jesus take charge of your life.

Jesus can take away your fear. He is the Son of God, almighty in power. He has quieted storms with a word, fed thousands of people with a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish. This great miracle worker loves you and wants the best for you. If you trust in His power and kindness, you can live without being a slave to fear.

Jesus can end your loneliness. He is always near, listening to your prayers and sharing His thoughts through the words of the Bible. He loves you with an everlasting love; He will never betray your trust or abandon you in times of need. If you love Jesus, you never have to live on your own.

Jesus can free you from anger and guilt. When He was nailed to the cross, the Son of God took responsibility for every time you caused hurt or disappointment. Jesus suffered the punishment you deserve, then rose from the grave to offer you complete forgiveness. If you belong to Christ, your guilt is removed and He will help you get rid of anger by forgiving others as He has forgiven you.

Jesus can free you from fear and loneliness, anger and guilt. With His support, you can be happy.