Happiness Escapes Again

It seems like many people never get to the point in their life where they are really happy.  So many things offer happiness, but it’s always just out of reach.  Solomon tried it all.  He sought happiness in booze, sex, parties, wealth, collecting and you name it he tried it.  Every time the conclusion was the same.  Happiness escapes again. 

I’m reminded of a book I read, way back when I was a kid.  The reason I remember it is because it’s the only book I ever read that wasn’t a sports book.  The gist of the book, was a man in Oklahoma who lived on a 40 acre ranch.  Hot and dry was the condition continually.  He was sick of it.  He dreamed of moving to Africa and mining for diamonds.  The life seemed adventurous, nothing like Oklahoma.  The wealth from the diamonds seemed exciting, nothing like the poverty of a few acres in Oklahoma. 

One day a man offered him a good sum of money for the 40 acres, so he took it and went off to fulfill his dream.  Adventure awaited him in Africa.  Well, you probably guessed it. He only lasted in Africa a few months.  He came back to Oklahoma busted. Embarrassed? Yes Discouraged? Of course.  But the worst of all was when he drove by his old ranch… nothing but oil wells!

Think about it.  What he longed for was under his feet all the time. 

It is the same for everyone.  In our grasp is plenty of joy and happiness.  It is ours for the taking.  However the lies of this world do to us what it did to Solomon.  Isn’t it time we wise up and take God at His word.  Joy and happiness await us all.  Who wants to go to Africa?