The pursuit of happiness

The flesh is never satisfied

It's fair to say that our physical bodies (our flesh) won't be spending eternity with us; therefore, they aren't really concerned with the needs of our spirit. Our bodies simply seek satisfaction and pleasure, but in reality, most things that gratify our bodies tend to suppress our spirit. The more we feed our flesh, the more it will demand, but the more we feed our spirit, the more control over our flesh we have.

Before I was reborn in the spirit, I was subconsciously always searching for ways to gratify my every desire. in other words, I wanted to always "feel good." I found fleeting satisfaction in social media, validation from others, likes, views, chasing a certain "status," my appearance, material possessions, and vacations. Were some of the things the enemy used to keep me trapped, I would feel a "high" from reaching a new milestone: buying something new, gaining more views, more likes, or being told I "looked good." However, this feeling didn't last long. Once the excitement faded, I was back to seeking that "feeling" again. (This is why placing our hope and faith in anything other than Jesus is dangerous.)

Because, when does it become enough?

I was always looking for the next vacation, the next designer item, the next viral moment, and so on. What I came to understand is that it was all a tactic used by Satan to keep me tied to him, allowing him to control and manipulate me. Whenever things didn't go "my way," I would quickly lose my joy and peace.

My happiness relied on those things. The more I indulged, the more I craved—The flesh is never satisfied. This cycle went on for years until one day, after achieving many of my goals, I reached a breaking point. I had everything I ever wanted: a beautiful family, a wonderful husband, financial freedom. I could buy anything, travel anywhere, yet none of it truly fulfilled me. Tired of myself, I knelt in my bedroom and cried out to God, “ HELP ME! TAKE OVER! ,I CANT LIVE LIKE THIS ANY LONGER!” I was completely fed up with myself! I mean sick! something had to change! I was desperate for change.

Shortly after, I felt an intense hunger for the word of God. The more I read, the more my jaw dropped in awe. All of the answers were there, in plain sight. It was like a mirror showing me exactly where I’d gone wrong. I was foolish; although I claimed to love God (and thought I did), my very actions denied Him. 

If any of my story strikes a chord with you, you're not alone. Many of us are in pursuit of happiness, but often, we're searching in the wrong places. For some, it may be drugs, partying, smoking, drinking, sexual immorality, etc. To be honest, Satan doesn't care what keeps you distracted as long as your eyes are not on Jesus. That's his goal.

If we let the world influence our thoughts and beliefs, we will naturally pursue what the world promotes as bringing true happiness, such as success, status, fame, likes, etc. However, these things only offer temporary satisfaction. Without being truly rooted in Christ, our sinful nature will quickly get used to the "feeling" of acquiring whatever it was we were after, leading us back on the hunt for the next best thing. The flesh is never satisfied

Unfortunately, oftentimes this cycle continues throughout our entire lives until we have a true encounter with the one living God. Only then will we come to realize that we were always enough, and even amidst our most difficult challenges, HE IS ENOUGH! 

If this describes your current situation, you have the option to take a different route. You don't need to remain in the same cycle that keeps you tied to the enemy. You can choose Jesus. The wonderful thing is,

He is always waiting for you with open arms. 

And he can meet you right where you are.

John 14:6

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Matthew 7:8

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

My prayer always, is that you’d know God and build your foundation on him, know that he loves you, so much so that even though he knew every mistake you’d ever make before you were born he died for you and I while we were still sinners, Because you matter! Because he has a purpose for you! you don't have to live another day being bound to the enemies schemes and lies you can choose freedom in christ and my hope is that you see that and receive his unconditional love.