I view life as a journey in and of itself. We choose the course our lives will take. The choices we make along the way determine where the journey takes us. Like a road trip, we are sure to encounter unexpected curves, hills, ravines and detours along the way. Most of us, before beginning a trip, plan the way we want to go, by looking at a map to see the possible routes available to arrive at the desired destination. Why is it then on our life journey, we all too often, set out with no destination in mind and no idea how to get where we don’t know we are going? We often end up in a place we had no desire to visit. Like the photo above, we stare at the mountain before us, wanting to reach the top, but have no idea what path to take to get there. No wonder we often end up in the ditch, or perched precariously on the edge of a cliff, hanging on for dear life.  I have found if I plan my route, check the weather forecast, fill the car with fuel and plan for an unexpected delay, my trip is more enjoyable and much less stressful. I have determined there is a better way to travel my life journey than leaving the route and destination to chance. It’s important to me that I reach my planned destination.

If you were to gather 100 people in a room and ask them to list the top three things in life that are most important to them, happiness or being happy would undoubtedly show up on almost everyone’s list. Happiness is important to just about everyone. The definition is different for each person. A good job, a good income, a job I love, good relationships, a good marriage, children, being loved, having someone to love. The list could be seemingly endless. Happiness is subjective to every person. Something, or someone who would make me happy, could have the opposite effect for you. Bookstore shelves are filled with books that claim to hold the secret to happiness. Many of us depend on another person to make them happy. Most certainly, another person can add value to your life and contribute to your happiness. However, every person is responsible for their own happiness. To expect otherwise is certain to end in disappointment.

What I have come to realize is, God who created me and loves me with an undying, everlasting love, has provided the handbook for happiness. The Bible. He does not want my life to be boring, so he asks me to play an active part in unlocking His secrets to a happy, fulfilling life. His Word is filled with directions and landmarks, but we must search them out. We cannot understand His road map, without first entering into relationship with Him. An example He gives us is found in Jeremiah 29: 11 & 12. His handbook provides assurances the journey will be safe and our ultimate destination will be certain. It does not however assure us there will not be obstacles to encounter.  Proverbs are filled with sound advice for a happy and satisfying life. John 15: 7-14 is a portion of Scripture which provides an example of God’s love and promises to us.

Doing life God’s way works! The destination He promises for those who believe Him and choose his way is pretty amazing.  You will find a description in His handbook.