Have you ever rolled out of bed and thought, “I hope I have a terrible day today?” Probably not. I never have. Not many people have. Why? Because we all want to be happy. We all want to have great days.

We live in a world where happiness is the end goal of almost every person’s life. Everyone wants to be happy. Everybody is searching, hoping, and longing to find that “one thing” that will make them permanently happy.

Sadly, very few people find lasting, permanent happiness.

That’s why many famous, rich celebrities bounce from relationship to relationship, mansion to mansion, car to car…they’re hoping the “next thing” will be it. The next thing will finally bring them permanent happiness. Sadly, though, most of them keep searching until they die.

They never find permanent happiness because they’ve looked in all the wrong places.

I’ll be honest with you. I have gone through seasons of my life where I’ve looked for happiness in all the wrong places too. And you know what? I felt miserable. Life seemed boring and pointless.

If I had to guess, you’ve probably looked for happiness in the wrong places too.

Have you ever felt like life was miserable, boring and pointless? Maybe you feel that way today.

If so, you’re probably looking for happiness in the wrong places right now. Here are 6 signs you’re looking for happiness in the wrong places.

See if any of these 6 signs are evident in your life today:

1. You’re not happy.

As funny as this may sound, not being happy is the first sign that you’re looking for happiness in the wrong place. If a person is unhappy, they haven’t found happiness, right? This is the first, and most obvious indicator that you’re looking in the wrong place.

2. You’re happy one day, sad the next.

Maybe you’re feeling happy today, but you felt terrible yesterday. And you might feel happy tomorrow…or you might not. Your happiness just depends on the day. Your happiness meter ebbs and flows with each day. If this is happening to you, this is a good sign you’re looking for happiness in the wrong places.

3. You live for the weekends.

I was at the store the other day and asked the checkout clerk how she was doing. “Okay,” she responded half heartedly, “it’s only Monday.”

Living for the weekends is how most people seem to operate today. Life is boring and dull. Work is a drag. Partying and relaxing on the weekends is the only thing that keeps many people going. “Happiness” is only found on the weekends. It doesn’t exist Monday through Friday.

If you find yourself banking all of your happiness on the weekends, you won’t ever find permanent happiness. This is another good sign you’re looking for happiness in the wrong places.

4. You keep yourself distracted all the time.

We live in a busy, fast paced culture. Many people think happiness is found by staying constantly busy and entertained. Movies, music, TV, iPhone games, and social media become the “happiness” filler for every spare ounce of time.

If you’re trying to fill your happiness tank by keeping yourself distracted, it won’t work. It’s a short term fix. This is another sign you’re looking for happiness in the wrong places.

5. You’re only happy when your circumstances are good.

If life is good, you’re good. If life is bad, you’re bad. Your happiness depends on your circumstances. You’re happy when things are going your way and life seems fun and exciting. You have a lot of friends, your parents stopped fighting, your crush said he likes you, and he invited you to prom…so you’re happy! Life is good.

For you, happiness isn’t a choice, but a result of good circumstances. This is a clear sign you’re looking for happiness in the wrong places.

6. You subconsciously think, “I would be happy if…”

You constantly compare your life to other people and wish you had it better. “I would be happy if…I had a boyfriend.” Or, “I would be happy if…my parents didn’t fight.” Or, “I would be happy if…I were prettier.” Or “I would be happy if…I had more friends.”

You live your life with the idea that true happiness will come “if…” You’re always comparing, yet you’re never fully happy. If this is you, this is a clear sign that you’re looking for happiness in the wrong places.

Are any of those 6 signs true in your life today?

If so, you are looking for happiness in the wrong places and you will never truly find it. You will never find complete and total satisfaction. You will continue searching forever.

So what’s the solution to this “happiness” problem? Simply this: to look for happiness in the right place!

God created us to find total and complete happiness in one thing alone. Himself.

Just like the law of gravity will never allow a ball to fall up, God will never allow us to find peace and fulfillment outside of Himself.

We can’t fix a God-sized void with an earthly bandaid. Earthly pleasures may temporarily patch the wound, but they will never, ever, heal our aching heart.

God created us to be satisfied in Him alone. This is a good thing because it never allows us to find true happiness anywhere else.

Listen to these encouraging promises from God’s Word.

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

“May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”” (Psalm 70:4).

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).

“Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord” (Proverbs 16:20).

Long term happiness isn’t found in our circumstances. It isn’t found in having a good day. It isn’t found in how pretty we look. It isn’t found on the weekends. It’s found in our devotion and love for Christ. It’s found in our intimate relationship with Jesus.

If you want to find long term happiness, spend time getting to know Jesus.

Embrace His gift of salvation. Live your life for His glory. Choose to please Him in everything you do. That is where true happiness, joy, and contentment are found.

I want to hear from you!

• Which of the 6 signs do you see in your life today?
• Do you believe it’s possible to find total happiness outside of God? Why?
• Do you want to be happy? If so, are you willing to invest time and prayer in your relationship with God?

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