Can you have it all?
The quest for love and happiness is a natural human drive. And believe it or not, it’s exactly what God wants for you, too. Sit back for a moment and allow your dreams to be awakened. Try to imagine how it would feel to be completely, extravagantly and outrageously satisfied. Lacking nothing. Everything you need for life. Joy. Peace. Security. Does this sound selfish? Surprisingly, the exact opposite is true.
Let’s look at how being “satisfied” changes everything when it comes to relationships.
We live in a world where busyness, responsibility and the cares of the day can be overwhelming. An indicator of being one who is satisfied and content is having joy in spite of what’s going on around you. Are you ready to have it all?
We find that most people who come to us for help are dissatisfied. They’re struggling with disappointment, a sense of lack and a restless desire for something more. They are stuck in the place of “waiting” for something or someone to change: their bank account; their spouse; their children; their health...they are convinced that they can’t have joy until circumstances and people line up. Many face challenges in their relationships of unresolved conflict and have even given up on having honest conversations that end up being constructive. It’s not exactly easy to laugh when your heart is full of depression, anger or fear.
“Truth is - you are exceptional, purposeful and irresistible. You may not believe these things about yourself, but the treasures of “the real you” and your intrinsic value are hidden in the depths of your heart.”
Most people live from their minds and emotions and aren’t in touch with their own hearts. Your heart represents your innermost being - the place where God speaks to you, and your desires and passions meet your will and motivation. The heart is where all that really affects your life takes place. The majority of people live with a broken heart to some extent. We want to love our family and close ones “with all our hearts” but it’s impossible when there is brokenness and sadness in the deepest part of us.
You have probably heard it said, “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” Eventually, whatever is in your heart will come out in your speech. So if you’ve ever heard things come out of your mouth that were less than admirable, you are, like all the rest of us, a candidate for spiritual heart surgery. This is the first step on the path to joy and laughter and dreams come true.
When you are satisfied, you are the high-functioning you. And being the best you is a huge investment into all of your relationships. With your parents, your spouse, your kids...everyone. You are the most high-functioning version of yourself when you have answered the questions of “who you are”. A satisfied heart is one that is at rest, for it lacks nothing. A satisfied heart gives without measure, simply because it has received so much. A satisfied heart is generous because fulfillment and contentment banish all selfishness.
Truth is - you are exceptional, purposeful and irresistible. You may not believe these things about yourself, but the treasures of “the real you” (your true identity) and your intrinsic value are hidden in the depths of your heart. You will discover them when your heart is satisfied in God, for it is then that you will be able to cease from struggling and striving and know your place of rest and peace. You’re living on a gold mine; there is a bountiful supply of peace and joy ahead for you!
You were born and designed to have moments every day to express freedom, joy and delight. Children laugh quickly and easily, for in most cases they are free from the stress and baggage that hinders laughter and steals joy. When we smile at each other we affect each other’s atmosphere - smiling is contagious! Our dear friend, Dr. Don Colbert, says, “Laughter is as powerful as a drug, very inexpensive and has absolutely no side effects.”
What would happen if we stopped concentrating on changing our behavior and instead began to pursue a transformed and healed heart? Satisfaction is a heart condition that rises above circumstances and finds joy even in times of pain. It is learning to be content in whatever situation you find yourself in because you are secure in God’s unconditional love.
Apply to Life
What have you been waiting to “change” before you can be happy?
(If you’re a “list person” take time to make the list of stipulations)
Are you willing to enter a land of rest, hope and joy?
Let go of your stipulations. Say to your heart, it’s time to stop waiting, and start experiencing joy.
Put on your favorite fun music, make a list of what you’re thankful for, and then take a deep breath and decide to choose joy. It will look really good on you.
P.S.
Super personal from Audrey: I’m on a plane right now. It’s Sunday night. I’m in the middle seat. We just spoke all weekend in Florida, and tomorrow morning we start a three-day intensive with a couple that has flown into our home office in Phoenix. I could be overwhelmed with my schedule, but instead, this article has ignited a joy that is energizing my soul. I have my earphones on as I am writing this. I have a playlist with my favorites, and the song that just came on is so perfect. I’m trying not to dance in my seat. You might have completely different tastes in music, but check this song out if you feel so inclined.
“Hope Saved My Life” by Brian Courtney Wilson.
Because hope saved my life.
I survived, and now I’m living and giving
Hope showed me the way
This is the first day of the best days of my life
Hear more about this topic on Episode 23 of All About Relationships Podcast with Bob and Audrey.