Hello friends!

I took a survey a while back and found that the two things most people desire in life are 1) to be happy, and 2) to be at peace.  That is true for most of us.  And yet, far too many people admit that they do not generally find themselves in a state of peace or happiness (joyfulness).    I also discovered that many respondents who said they were happy and at peace, when pressed, admitted that 1) their happiness and peace depended on conditions and circumstances of life, or 2) their peace and happiness was somewhat limited.  In other words, their happiness and peace was conditional and relative to their perception of abundance and prosperity.

Many of the survey participants attributed a lack of happiness and peace to such conditions as unemployment, a troubled relationship with a significant other, an illness, a lack of  money, career boredom, a deep concern for a loved one,  a specific failure, or a sense of hopelessness. 

I need not remind anyone of all the challenges, fears, and disappointment’s that life presents to us.  And when we attempt to face them independently, it is easy for any of us to become discouraged and overwhelmed.  Particularly when we place ourselves in total and complete control.

I came across a scripture text from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans that speaks to happiness and peace.  It reads as follows: 

“May the God of hope fill you with all (italics mine) joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NRV)

Paul is saying that unlimited peace and happiness is only conditioned upon one thing, to be in relationship with God.    To believe is to be in relationship with God and it is the key to being  filled with complete joy and happiness.  

How is your relationship with God/Source/Spirit?  Do you want to deepen or strengthen it?  Perhaps spiritual direction may be in order, particularly if you find yourself desiring a peace and happiness that surpasses all understanding.

I would be honored to take a journey with you as your spiritual guide in your pursuit of unconditional and complete happiness and peace.

Warren