From an early age, it seems like we always want something. As a child, it may be a bicycle. Then, as a teen, a car. As an adult, it may be a house or retirement.
While there is nothing wrong with having goals, the trap we can fall into is thinking the next thing will make us happy.
Yes, after getting something, you may indeed experience some happiness initially. But soon after, it dwindles, another desire appears, and the chase starts all over again.
This is especially dangerous in an age of quick access to credit cards and loans. When a person has to work before purchasing something, there is a natural delay. It allows time for reevaluation.
However, by using credit, the person is left not only wanting the next thing, but also burdened with payments for the last thing.
By recognizing this cycle, you can reduce your stress while saving time and money.
You can simply decide to be content and fill that happiness void with the never-ending supply of what we were designed to fill it with. God, purpose, giving, etc.
Solomon, in his wisdom, recognized this truth.
In Proverbs 27:20, he wrote, “Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes” (NIV).
Similarly, in Ecclesiastes 1:8, he notes, “All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing” (NIV).
So, let’s heed his advice and stop the endless chase.
The Wise Believer sees the trap and seeks their happiness through the things that truly give it.
