“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

One of the greatest lies believed in our culture is that happiness is the priority of life.

I remember a conversation with a friend. His wife of twenty years was out of town for long periods of time and the absence had put a strain on their relationship. In the meantime, he initiated a relationship with another woman. I realized the conversation was over and his decision was made when he said, “If God doesn’t want me to be happy, I’m not sure I want to have anything to do with God.”

He’s not alone. Over the years, I’ve watched people I care for deeply make life-altering decisions based on their personal “happiness.” We all like to be happy, right? But is our happiness the ultimate goal?

Chip Ingram describes this outlook like this – “God wants me to be happy, and that is His highest goal for my life. That’s what He really wants, so my situation, my job, my marriage, my school, my relationships are so painful and stressful that – conclusion – this situation or relationship can’t be God’s will for my life.”

We may deny it, but instead of a God-centered life, how many of us are still living a me-centered life – a life dependent on our current circumstances?

Christ wants us to “have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10), but that doesn’t mean life without problems, right? James challenges us to look at our challenging circumstances in a different light –

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

I need that reminder as much as anyone else. It is all too easy to focus on the current circumstances of life.