“I know the guy is not the right one for her,” my friend said some years back. “But as long as she’s happy.”

Her daughter married him and shortly after, it ended in a painful and bitter divorce.

Is wishing happiness what we want for our kids?

Happiness is often confused with joy. Happiness can turn to sadness. And looking for it leaves us disappointed.

Here are five pitfalls to avoid when looking for happiness

1. Looking for it in relationships. Happiness cannot be found in another person, for they’re looking for their own path to happiness.

2. Longing to be happy by pleasing others rather than pleasing God first.

3. Expecting circumstances to make us happy, for they change as quickly as the weather.

4. Waiting for someone to change before we feel happy.

5. Expecting that happiness will last and bring fulfillment.

Joy is what we need

Happiness is fleeting, often elusive and deceptive. Joy is what the soul longs for. Peace is what our heart needs. Wisdom is what brings the greatest rewards. And contentment is what ushers the richness of life.

That richness is found in complete joy, the kind that’s already in us when we believe:

"As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." (John 15:9-11)

His joy can’t be taken away by circumstances, stages of life, unexpected turns or even tragic events. When happiness wanes, His joy in us remains vibrant!

Used with permission by Global Media Outreach from Janet Perez Eckels. In spite of her physical blindness, Janet serves the Lord as an inspirational speaker and author. This article was first published on August 13, 2021 at www.janetperezeckles.com.