Never Enough

"It would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered to us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." — C.S. Lewis

Whether we’d like to admit it or not, every decision we make and everything we ever do is based on whether that next move brings us happiness or not. People don’t climb Mount Everest out of boredom, nor do people caught in addictions use drugs to make them feel miserable. Of course, in the end, it turns on them like a viper. But needless to say, anything and everything we do is something that we hope will bring us happiness. We all long for it. We all search for it in bars, stars, cars, and even Mars. But it seems that the more we search for it in all the wrong places, ironically, the sadder we become.

But what if there was something—or rather Someone—that is greater than happiness, yet at the same time brings a joy that nothing in this world could ever bring? A joy unspeakable. So much so that when you encounter It, your life will never be the same. Someone who says to you, “Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you,” and pleads with you:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." — Matthew 11:28-30

I don’t know about you, but I am tired of “looking for love in all the wrong places.” I am tired of never being satisfied, no matter how hard I try. I am tired of feeling so empty when I know I was created for so much more. I know if you have picked up this book that you feel the same way as well. Well, the good news is I have the answer to all our problems! Actually, He is the Answer, and He has us. I invite you to come with me on this journey to find the joy of Jesus, and I guarantee your life will never be the same!

When we have finally come to the end of ourselves and realize that nothing in this world is ever enough to fully satisfy our souls, it is then that Jesus comes in and says, “I am more than enough, and I will never leave you nor forsake you!” It’s been said that God wants us holy but not happy. I firmly disagree. In fact, I don’t believe you can be holy without being happy, and vice versa. But make no mistake, as Jesus promised, “In this world, you will have troubles.” But that is not the end of that verse: “But be of good cheer (happy), I have overcome the world!”

And as James 1:2-4 states:

“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 is not by any means saying to be thankful for the trials, but rather when trials come, consider it joy because we know God is working on our faith through them. That’s the joy and happiness I am speaking of here. That no matter what comes our way, in every circumstance, through it all, we can have true joy. Like the apostle Paul says:

“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:11-13

Of course, we have our adversary who came to kill, steal, and destroy, but we have One who is greater than all, who says, “He came so we may have and enjoy our lives abundantly.” Let this be the day that the devil kills and steals no more. He can take away everything, but he can never take away our Jesus and what we have in Him! The devil knows he can never steal our salvation but will do everything in his power to make us miserable down here on our way to heaven. So, one of the biggest black eyes we can ever give him is living the rest of our short lives down here in the joy of Jesus!

I’d like to end this chapter with a quote from the late, great music legend Johnny Cash and a prayer to strengthen our walk:

“I have tried drugs and a little of everything else. And there is nothing in the world more soul-satisfying than God. It takes a real man to live for God—a lot more than to live for the devil. Everything I have and everything I do is now given completely to Jesus Christ. He is the only way to heaven."

And I will add, the only way to true and everlasting joy—the joy of Jesus!

Dear Lord, forgive me when I’ve looked to everything and anyone else for the joy that only You can bring. I ask You with all my heart that You impart Your joy to me like never before so I can live and love like You like never before! In the most joyful Name of all—the name of Jesus. Amen. Selah.

God bless you and thank you for reading!

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