“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” Matt. 6:21

All we want in life is to be happy. As Americans, we have this idea that it’s an inalienable right. But how many of us are genuinely happy? What would it take for you to be happy?

In my moments of unhappiness, I’ve thought long and hard on the topic. The next several posts will examine my conclusions. For one thing, I’ve discovered a direct correlation between my state of unhappiness and my expectations. If I believe that certain things are necessary for my happiness—things I don’t have, of course—then I am constantly aware of my lack. If, however, I suspend the expectation of happiness at all and simply live daily with gratitude for what I’ve been given, my feeling of well being increases.

Even though we are Americans, there are still only two things in life which are guaranteed: death and taxes. We need to stop expecting so much. There will always be someone who has more than we do. More wealth, more love, more beauty. If we wait for these things to be happy, we forfeit the moments of our lives which could have been spent enjoyably.

When our hearts yearn for a deeper relationship with the Lord, we discover a treasure that cannot be taken away—not by an economic depression, divorce, or illness. Our joy must be deeply rooted in the God of our Salvation.