NEIL ANDERSON DAILY DEVOTIONAL
from Freedom in Christ Ministries

October 9

God’s Concept Of Happiness

Godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6 NIV)

The world’s concept of happiness is getting what we want. All
merchandising is based on this idea. To really be happy, we need a
flashier car, a sexier cologne, or any number of items that are better,
faster or easier to use than what we already have. We watch the
commercials, read the ads, and pursue all the latest fashions, fads and
fancy doodads. We buy into the lie that we’re not really happy until we
get what we want.

God’s concept of happiness is summed up in the simple proverb:
"Happy is the man who wants what he has." As long as you are
focusing on what you don’t have, you’ll be unhappy. But when you begin
to appreciate what you already have, you’ll

begin to experience the joys of life. Paul wrote to Timothy:
"Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing
into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food
and clothing, we will be content with that" (1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV).

Actually, you already have everything you need to live a joyful
life. You have Christ. You have eternal life. You are loved by a
heavenly Father who has promised to supply all your needs. No wonder the
Bible repeatedly commands us to be thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:18). If
you really want to be happy, learn to be thankful for what you have and
not covet what you don’t have.

This daily devotional is published and distributed by
http://www.GOSHEN.net/ . It is written by Neil Anderson at
http://www.freedominchrist.com/ .