Today’s podcast is an interview with J.E. Berry, author of the ‘The Truth About Happiness.’ Read her post below titled, ‘The Gift and the Giver.’ This is part two in a series on Happiness.
By nature we are (humans that is) consumers. We crave satisfaction, in one fashion or another, from every one our senses. Our existence requires a fulfillment and when we are in short supply of satisfaction we tend to seek, search, and chase what we think will gratify our longing hearts and bring us happiness. The problem with this strategy of life fulfillment is that we have no idea what we are searching for and are likely left with an even bigger void once we have tasted what was thought to bring us satisfaction. Chasing “happy” leaves us weary, confused, and with a shifty confidence in a false identity. Identifying us as the giver unto ourselves.
The idea that we are equipped to gift ourselves with true happiness is unbelievably off base. We may be able to create an experience that brings about a temporary external presence of happy; however, the gift of true happiness is a byproduct of something we in no way had a hand in producing. Joy. This gift begins with a right relationship with God through Christ and bloomed within us by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Our proper perspective here is of great value in our daily walk. When we truly understand Who gives and who receives, it becomes easier to trust and stop trying so hard to do the job we were never created to do. The appeasement that our souls have always longed for is found only in the Giver of satisfaction, God. “For he satisfies the longing soul and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” Psalm 107:9
The same loving God who created us is well equipped to meet our needs. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19. The Fathers unlimited resources can do far more to fulfill us than anything we can do with our meager efforts. Our happiness is safe in the hands of the Giver, not in the chase of satisfaction. And when we fall in love with the Giver and chase after Jesus like He has always chased us, we become close enough to receive the gift.
Happy Chasing!
J.E. Berry
J.E. Berry is a writer and speaker. She has worn many hats in ministry over the years. She and her husband have been in ministry together for many years, along with their five children. Through church plants, life groups, worship, outreach, discipleship and youth pastoring.
J.E. has a heart for outreach and seeing people come to know freedom through a relationship with Christ Jesus. Specifically women who have been yet to see their God given destiny because of bondage. As a writer and speaker she explores things that hinder us in moving forward in our walk with Christ. Such as people pleasing, unhappiness, unforgiveness and much more, to try and lend a hand in unveiling the culprits so that we can move forward in victory. As a musician and worship leader, she gratefully worships as the background while she encourages others to engage in a personal worship experience with Jesus.
J.E. is currently pursuing a Bachelor in Christian Education at Tyndale Theological Seminary and Biblical Institute.
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