People often say I will be happy "If…". In other words, their happiness is dependent upon someone or something else.

It could be a relationship, a job, money, acceptance, a better-shaped face! Etc.

But hey, the great thing for us Christians is that we can be happy, BECAUSE and not IF.

We can be happy because we have Jesus.

He has given us the resources and ability to be happy just by himself alone.

We can be God-dependent and not independent

Once we have learned to be happy with Jesus, then our relationship with our future partner will be greater and more wonderful because will not be dependent upon them. It will surely produce a patient and more even and stable relationship.

Example of general enrichment:

Example 1.

When I am hungry I need to eat food. A cube of plain cake will take away the pain of hunger and satisfy me.

But a cube of cake with chocolate icing on it still satisfies me, but, also more than that, it enriches my experience in becoming full up!

Example 2.

Nothing can make me happier, blessed or more filled with the Spirit than fellowship with Jesus alone.

I can be at home or at work, and my soul can be just as satisfied as at any other time, and my heart filled with peace and rest.

But my experience of God can be enriched by other things.

A sunset, for example will enrich my appreciation of Him. As the sun goes down over a shimmering sea, my heart is touched by a marvellous creator and so the whole experience of God seems richer.

Today I saw a picture in the paper of an estuary with the blue sky and my heart was moved with appreciation towards God.

Life is full of good things that will NOT MAKE US HAPPIER but will enrich our love, appreciation and understanding of Him.

As I have said before, I can worship God at home or at work and be 100% satisfied and fulfilled.

It is no less on a sunny day than a cloudy as regards happiness, BUT the difference is that at times (and not always) my experience of God is deeper and richer.