Life.Church with Craig Groeschel

Why Doesn’t God Give Me What I Want? | Almost True | Part 4

Aug 25, 2024

The pursuit of happiness often leads to questions about God's intentions. Discover the contrast between human happiness and the call to worship. True fulfillment is revealed to stem from a deep connection with God, rather than materialism. Personal stories highlight the dangers of seeking validation through worldly desires. Explore themes of repentance and the realization that authentic joy comes from divine presence, challenging the notion of the 'happiness gospel' and advocating for spiritual integrity.

34:35

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Quick takeaways

The happiness gospel misrepresents God's role as merely a provider, leading believers to confuse unhappiness with divine neglect.

True contentment and lasting happiness stem from pursuing holiness and deepening one's relationship with God rather than seeking earthly pleasures.

Deep dives

The Happiness Gospel Explained

The concept of the happiness gospel is introduced as the belief that God's primary purpose is to ensure individual happiness. This notion, while comforting and seemingly true, diminishes the role of God to that of a mere provider whose responsibility is to give us what we desire. When individuals adopt this mindset, they may rationalize that their unhappiness indicates God's neglect or nonexistence, leading to a potential departure from faith. Ultimately, the happiness gospel creates a transactional view of God, where worship and good deeds are seen as exchanges for personal fulfillment.

Pursue Holiness Over Happiness

01:24

Intro

17min

The Illusion of Happiness: Seeking True Fulfillment

4min

Finding True Joy in God: A Journey of Repentance

2min

Finding True Joy Beyond Material Pursuits

11min

Pursuing happiness comes naturally, but what do you do when life doesn't measure up? You might wonder, “Why doesn’t God give me what I want? Does He really care about me or my happiness?” Let’s talk about it.

PRAYER

If you're facing something difficult, you don’t have to carry it alone. If it’s on your mind, it’s on God’s heart. We want to pray with you and support you through whatever you’re facing. Share your prayer request: https://www.life.church/getprayer

ABOUT THIS MESSAGE

Everywhere you turn, someone’s telling you how to live. A lot of times it's well-intentioned and Almost True, but misses the mark in ways that can hurt us. How do we know which truths will actually lead to a meaningful life? Let’s find out in our new series.

ABOUT LIFE.CHURCH

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NEXT STEPS

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