Got Happiness?

The Foundation of True Happiness: Fulfillment in Christ

Happiness is something every person longs for. It’s a universal pursuit, shaping the decisions we make and the paths we choose. Throughout my life, I’ve sought happiness, and I’ve observed others pursue it in countless ways—through success, relationships, possessions, entertainment, and even personal accomplishments. But time and experience have taught me that while the quest for happiness is natural, it often falls short when pursued without a lasting foundation.

Happiness, when built on temporary things, is fleeting. The highs of achievement are often followed by the lows of disappointment. This ebb and flow is inevitable because worldly sources of happiness are fragile—they’re subject to change, loss, and circumstance. So where can we find a happiness that endures?

The answer lies not in chasing happiness itself, but in discovering true fulfillment. True fulfillment provides a foundation that remains steady through life’s ups and downs. And I’ve found that there is only one source of lasting fulfillment: surrendering the quest for happiness to follow Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

When we come to Jesus, we discover that happiness is no longer the goal. Instead, we find something far greater—a life filled with meaning, purpose, and joy that comes from walking with Him. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10, NKJV). This abundant life doesn’t mean an absence of struggles; rather, it means a deep, unshakable peace and joy that transcend our circumstances.

Fulfillment in Christ comes when we stop striving to make ourselves happy and start living for Him. It’s in this surrender that we experience the joy of being known and loved by our Creator. Joy is the byproduct of this fulfillment—a joy that leads to daily happiness, rooted not in what we have or achieve, but in who He is.

As Acts 17:28 declares, “In Him we live and move and have our being.” This truth changes everything. It shifts our focus from the temporary to the eternal, from self-centered pursuits to a Christ-centered life. And in that shift, we find the happiness we’ve been seeking all along—not as the goal, but as the overflow of a life fulfilled in Him.

If you’ve been chasing happiness and finding it elusive, I encourage you to take a step back and consider your foundation. Is it built on things that change, or on the unchanging One who offers lasting fulfillment? Surrendering your quest for happiness to follow Jesus is not the loss of something—it’s the beginning of everything.

In Him, we find our purpose, our peace, and the joy that sustains us through every season of life. He is the foundation of fulfillment, the wellspring of joy, and the ultimate source of true happiness.

A Simple Prayer to Begin Your Journey with Jesus

If you’re ready to experience the lasting fulfillment that comes from a relationship with Jesus, I invite you to pray this prayer:

“Heavenly Father, I come to You today, realizing my need for something greater than myself. I confess that I have sinned and fallen short, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. Today, I surrender my life to You. I choose to follow Jesus as my Lord and Savior, trusting Him to guide me and be the foundation of my life. Thank You for loving me, forgiving me, and giving me the gift of everlasting life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer, know that you’ve made the most important decision of your life. I encourage you to find a Bible-believing church, start reading the Bible, and connect with other believers who can support you in your journey of faith. Welcome to the family of God!

Please email me at jeffryjbrown@gmail.com if you prayed this prayer.