How To Find Happiness–Trust In God

There is an inextricable link between your happiness and who you rely on.

We all rely on somebody or something. The following list encompasses the psychology of 99% of most of us.

1. Self-reliance–self-explanatory:
This is when a person relies upon himself to find happiness and purpose in life. Many people, especially in the United States, fall into this category. They believe they can accomplish anything by their own skills and merit.

2. Reliance on another person:
This could be a parent, wife, husband, best friend, or even a child. Some of these, at the extreme, can become codependent relationships. People in these dysfunctional relationships, quite literally cannot get by without the help or presence of the other person.

3. Reliance on government:
The Soviet Union tried socialism many times–and each time, it failed. Citizens looked to government programs to feed them and to solve all their problems. In the USA in 2015, we are not at that point, but it is true that there are countless millions of people that rely on the local, state, or federal government first and foremost.

4. Reliance on God, or “gods”:
The Christian places his trust in Jesus Christ. However, many in other religions believe in multiple gods, or another god. For instance, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists trust in, and rely on, a false god.

The Holy Bible is very clear about whom we are to trust in and rely upon.

Jeremiah 17:5-9 – “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.”

Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

There are several other verses which declare the same advice and doctrine. Yet, many Christians instead fall into one of the other three categories. In that case, they are typically less happy.

How many people do you know who buy book after book on self-improvement and self-help? It is not a bad thing to try to improve yourself and learn new things. However, if you trust 100% in yourself, that you can and will accomplish anything, you will be disappointed.

How many friends do you know who get married believing that their new spouse will be the center of their universe and bring them total happiness? This happens quite frequently, and often leads to heartache. No one–your spouse, your parents, anyone–can make you truly happy. This is because all of us sin on a regular basis. Every human relationship will eventually disappoint you (even if they don’t mean it).

As for government programs and various welfare systems, these by themselves are not bad. However, they can become all encompassing for many lifetime recipients. They take God and their families out of their lives and rely on government programs to bail them out. Many of these people end up believing they cannot do anything on their own and they have zero self-reliance.

The best way to find true happiness, contentment and peace, is to trust in God and rely on Him. This is especially true when it feels that He is not answering your prayers. Be patient, and remember that He knows what is best for you.

Who do YOU rely on?