"Is Happiness Really Possible in this Chaotic World?" or
"What is Real Peace and How can I find it?"
The Problem
One need not look any further than the nightly news to see that we live in a world filled with, problems. People are unhappy with their relationships, their jobs and their lives in general and many people feel like "Life" has just let them down. Even with the vast amount of wealth and opportunity at their disposal, people are still more unhappy and unfulfilled today than ever before.
Many peoplle describe this unhappiness as a feeling of emptiness or a "VOID" in their lives. The natural response is to try and fill this "VOID" with something in hope that it will take the emptiness away. Some people turn to substance abuse, pleasure or materialism to try and fill this emptiness, while other people try to cope by busying themselves with activities to occupy their time, yet in spite all their attempts the desire to find peace and happiness goes unfulfilled. Why is this? What is this "VOID"? and How can it be filled?
The"VOID" The Merriam Webster Dictionary describes "Void" as: "a feeling of want or hollowness". God has placed a "VOID" in each and every one of us. This void is a deep seeded longing for a relationship with God our Creator. We can try and ignore that inner voice that wants us to have a relationship with God but the end result will always be unhappiness. Some people, after trying everything in their power to cope with the "VOID" or emptiness, give up and in their despair turn to violence or suicide.
There is Hope! This is not what God wants for us. God loves us and wants us to be fulfilled and happy in life that's why He said:
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" -- John 10:10
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jer. 29:11
God deeply desires a relationship with you! God desires to have a relationship with YOU! You may think you have been too "bad" for God to accept you, but He accepts the sinner with open arms. "Nothing can separate you from the love of God" - Romans 8:35, 38-39
"God Loves you even while you are still a sinner" - Eph. 2:4-5
"God calls you his friend" - John 15:15
The Solution Are you tired of trying in vain to find real peace, joy and happiness in life?. The only solution to a life filled with peace, joy and happiness is a relationship with God. He is waiting with open arms to love and accept you.
If you would like to accept Jesus into your life then follow the steps below.
How to Know Jesus
Step 1 - Recognize that God loves you and has a plan for your life
His love includes you.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
He has new life for you.
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).
Step 2 - Recognize that sin separates you from God and others
"Sin" is walking our own way in rebellion against God's will. When we walk away from God, we walk away from life.
Everyone has sinned.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
Sin brings death.
"For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).
Our own efforts cannot save us.
As sinners we try to find life's true meaning in the wrong ways and places.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Step 3 - Recognize that Jesus Christ died and rose again for our sins
Jesus Christ died in our place.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
He is the way to new life.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
He gives inner peace.
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
He gives freedom.
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36).
He gives eternal life.
"But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
Step 4 - You must repent and ask God for forgiveness
Admit and confess your sins to God.
"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).
Repentance means:
• To acknowledge your sins.
• To be sorry for your sins.
• To confess your sins.
• To be willing to forsake your sins.
• To have your life changed by Christ.
Forgiveness is promised.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
Step 5 - Place your trust in Christ and receive Him as your Savior
Christ is ready.
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in" (Revelation 3:20).
Receive Him now.
"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12).
Pray this prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to have life. I know that I have sinned. I need Your forgiveness and pardon. I believe that You died and rose again for my sins. I now accept You as my personal Savior. I will forsake my sinful life. I know that Your grace and power will enable me to live for You. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me and for giving me a new life.
For help in living a meaningful life in Christ:
• Be assured of Christ's forgiveness.
• Read your Bible and pray daily.
• Find a concerned pastor and other Christians.
• Become a vital part of that church.
• Share your faith with others.
A caring church family is waiting to accept you and help nurture you as a Christian. You can locate a Church of the Nazarene near you.
