As a mum of six kids and a pastor it’s taken me a long time to realise that I am not responsible for everyone else’s happiness and contentment. None of us can be that for another, because no one can make a person happy except that person, through their own decisions, beliefs and personal relationship with their Creator. All we can do is love people with open arms and help them where we are able.
Everyone has to figure out our their own path and to the one who brings joy. Yet so many husbands and wives, partners, parents, children, pastors, leaders and friends make the mistake of trying to be the person who makes the people in their lives happy all the time. I’ve however discovered that when I get comfortable and joyful in who I am and don’t lose my focus on what God has spoken and deposited within me, it liberates and motivates others to find that joy filled space too.
It’s in our happiness and fulfilment that others are inspired as our lives become a herald that it is possible; that you can live a peaceful, joy-filled, and purposeful life. When we seek to live like that we become a testimony to God’s goodness and faithfulness and we act like a beacon to lead the way to Jesus who is the source of joy that makes our hearts complete and able to love like He does.
Today don’t fall into the trap of being responsible for another person’s happiness and sense of fulfilment. That’s God’s job not our’s. We are to encourage, pray for and believe the best for others, but we can’t compensate for what they haven’t yet hungered after and discovered for themselves. All God asks us to do is to let our lives be like a light drawing others to the ultimate path of life we all have the opportunity to discover in knowing Him.
Jesus said, “A thief has only one thing in mind – he wants to steal, slaughter and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect – life in its fullness until you overflow!“. (John 10:10 TPT)
“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.” (Proverbs 4:25)
“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” (John 15:23 NLT)
Prayer: Lord help me not to feel like I have to be responsible for everyone else’s happiness at the expense of losing who I am. I just need to concentrate on living in that space of joy and intimacy with you, so that my life is a testimony of who you are to all those around me. In Jesus Name Amen.