Why Doesn’t God Give Me What I Want?  

Almost True

October 13, 2024 

What role does God play in your happiness?  

• God wants you to experience happiness, but not at the expense of holiness.  

… Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”   1 Peter 1:14-16 NLT  

2 PROBLEMS WITH THE HAPPINESS GOSPEL  

Whatever makes me happy must be right.  

Whatever makes me unhappy must be wrong.  

rationalizing sin: when our mind makes an excuse for what our spirit knows is wrong  

“The sin that is most destructive in your life right now is the one you are most defensive about.”—Tim Keller  

Holiness and happiness are not opposing values.  

• True holiness leads to lasting happiness.  

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.  2Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. ... 10Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. … 12Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.    Psalm 51:1-2, 10, 12 NIV  

• Lasting happiness is found in a Who, not a what.  

2I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” … 5Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. … 11You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. 

Psalm 16:2, 5, 11 NIV  

Application:  

Where are you pursuing happiness over holiness?  

What is God calling you to do about it?