Forbid Unhappiness to Be Permanent

Success by itself cannot create a permanent state of happiness or contentment. Thomas Carlyle, the Scottish philosopher, noted, "Man's unhappiness is related to his potential because he possesses a God-consciousness but may deny his existence or, through sheer willpower, determine to live without him."

Thomas Carlyle expressed one of life’s most persistent temptations. Pushing God out of your consciousness does not diminish his power or presence. It’s possible for unhappiness to become so persistent that it becomes accepted as normal. Instead, realize that difficult times do not mean you have lapsed into perpetual unhappiness.

You can discover joy when the trials of life have pushed you to the breaking point. How is this possible? Realize that God is present wherever you are. Consistently share with God what is happening to you. Joy is possible in all circumstances when you realize God's unfailing love will provide solutions. Pray for patience.                     

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I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.

~Psalm 40:1-3 New Living Translation

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Persistent Unhappiness? Time for a Change

Occasionally we meet someone who appears happy regardless of their situation. Then there are those individuals who are unhappy even in the best of circumstances. Research discovered that it's not the exhilarating experiences that create a happy disposition, but it’s frequent pleasant experiences that constitute happiness.

 

While it's impossible to rule out negative experiences, some people believe they’ll never face a crisis that could threaten their relationships. Even in the happiest marriages, discontent will come, but it doesn't mean the marriage is in trouble. Happiness depends on the capacity to change and mature in harmony with circumstances.

When unhappiness persists, you may feel rejected and discouraged. If this is your situation, perhaps it’s time to ask yourself what change is needed that's been difficult to achieve in the past. It may be time to redirect your life to Christ Jesus and commit all you are and can be to him. The Lord God said, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." 

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He (God) gives life, breath and everything else to all people…God has done all this so that we will look for him and reach out and find him. He isn’t far from any of us, and he gives us the power to live, to move, and to be who we are. We are his children.

~Acts 17:25, 27-28 Contemporary English Version