04/01/2024
Happy April! ๐ธ
โHappy are the people whose God is the LORD.โPsalm 144:15
When youโre in harmony with God, it gives you the peace you need to be in harmony with others, making you a happier person. But when youโre disconnected from God, youโre often disconnected from othersโand unhappy.๐ธ
We see this happen in the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Itโs about a young man who left his father, taking his inheritance with him and wasting it on careless living. Luke 15:14 says, โHe spent everything he had . . . and he was left without a thingโ. His recklessness had left him lonely and miserable.๐บ
The truth is, nothing destroys happiness faster than conflict in a relationship. So, when the young man had a conflict with his dad, it created a strained relationship. This led to resentment, guilt, and regret.๐ธ
This story reminds us of how unhappy we are when weโre in conflict with our heavenly Father. We werenโt designed to live disconnected from God. Thatโs why thumbing our nose at him and going our own way never works.๐บ
But the moment we say, โGod, Iโm tired of living the way Iโve been living,โ he runs out to meet us. He takes the initiative. He even celebrates, like the father did with his prodigal son: โQuick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him . . . We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to lifeโ (Luke 15:22-24).๐ธ
Maybe youโre saying, โI used to feel close to God, but I donโt feel close to him anymore, and Iโve lost my happiness.โ Remember: God didnโt move; you moved. Heโs the unmovable.๐บ
Know that God sees you as extremely valuable and wants you to return to him. And when you do, he will be โfilled with love and compassionโ (Luke 15:20 NLT), like the father with his prodigal child.๐ธ
Returning to your heavenly Father and being in close relationship with him is the only way to true joy and the abundant life!
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