The Church Mouse: Chasing Bubbles

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh, blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.” – Luke 6:20-22

I am sure that we have all experienced the joy of blowing bubbles. It is amazing that something so simple could bring so much happiness to so many people. And it is not just for kids either! I have even seen teenagers & adults laughing having fun blowing bubbles and trying to catch them.
There is just one problem with happiness that comes from blowing bubbles — it does not last! The minute you reach out and touch one of the bubbles, most of the time it will burst. Many times we chase the bubble, but it is always just out of reach and as soon as it touches the ground, the bubble bursts.

I think this is the way it is in the lives of many people today. A lot of people are chasing after happiness, but like the bubbles, happiness is always just out of reach. Or, just when we think we have it, and then our bubble may burst.
Some of the bubbles that people chase are:

Money — Many people think that money will bring them happiness, but it doesn’t. Once you spend it, it is gone, and you still don’t have happiness you just have a lot of stuff.

Food — We live in a day when many people seek happiness in food. They eat because they are sad or depressed and they think that food will make them feel better. It doesn’t. After they eat, they are still unhappy, but now they are over-weight which makes them unhappy!

Entertainment — Many people think that laughing and having a good time is the same thing as being happy, but it isn’t. Many people who are laughing on the outside are crying on the inside.

Popularity — Some people think that being popular with other people will bring them happiness. They will do anything or say anything to make other people like them, but popularity doesn’t last. It is here today and gone tomorrow. There is no lasting happiness in popularity.

Drugs & Alcohol – Many people turn to drugs or alcohol thinking that they will find happiness. However, in the end all they find is an addiction that causes health problems, financial problems, family problems and often jail time. Thus they are now likely more unhappy than ever before.

Jesus knew that people would look for happiness in the wrong places. He even suggested that we might be happier if we were poor, hungry, crying, and disliked by others. Why would Jesus ever suggest such a thing?

Well when we are poor, it may be easier for us to trust in God to supply everything we need instead of depending on ourselves and our own wealth.
When we are hungry for God and his righteousness, we realize that only He can satisfy our hunger.
When we are crying, we can trust in God to comfort us and ease our pain.
When we think we have no friends, we have a friend in Jesus.
Jesus is a friend who will never leave us.

Do you want to find happiness in life? Do not spend your time chasing bubbles and earthly treasurer. Look to your Heavenly Father. He is our source for true happiness.

Prayer—“Dear Father, help us to realize that we can never find happiness in the things that this world has to offer. Remind us that you alone are the only way to have true happiness. Thank you for your loving care and help us to trust you in all things. Amen.”

the Church Mouse
Work hard, pray harder!