Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom | Day 15 | Doesn’t God Want Us to be Happy?

Throughout this retreat, we have repeatedly emphasized that God allows us to experience various trials in this earthly life for our own good, to train us, to help us grow, to elevate us, to make us holy, and to prepare us for eternal life. Jesus has also instructed us to enter the Kingdom of Heaven through the narrow gate, to sell all we have and give to the poor, and then take up our cross and follow Him! Isn’t such a life incredibly challenging? Does God really want us to experience joy even in this earthly life?

This is truly a thought-provoking question! Although Jesus has paved the way for us to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, while the devil connects us to the path to hell, it seems that the path paved by the devil might make us feel happier! At least it offers worldly riches and glory without the need to endure suffering. Isn’t it more desirable? Could it be that God really does not want us to be happy?

First of all, as believers in eternal life, we should not seek the fleeting pleasures of this world at the cost of giving up everlasting happiness. Secondly, we must consider the ultimate goal of our lives: Are we solely pursuing eternal happiness, or are we striving to be with our most beloved ones forever?

We have all heard countless true stories of people who, after spending their entire lives chasing wealth and status, ultimately lose the ones they love most. In the end, they desperately wish they could give up everything they possess in exchange for the life of their loved ones. These stories remind us that, in the end, what we truly care about is not material possessions but the most important relationships in our lives. Although we have many significant relationships in this world, none can compare to our relationship with God, the One who created us and loves us unconditionally. Our relationship with God is our ultimate relationship in the eternal kingdom!

Many couples only truly experience the sweetness of their marital relationship when one partner goes through a serious illness or hardship in life. Not only does this elevate their relationship to a new level, but they also come to understand the true meaning of love. After overcoming tribulations together, couples often taste the profound love they share and realize the importance of each other in their lives. These testimonies tell us that being with the one we love, no matter the difficulties and challenges, is worthwhile and not painful.

This also explains why countless martyrs throughout the ages, even when facing persecution or brutal torture, remained filled with peace and joy, unafraid of the physical suffering awaiting them. It was because they had God in their hearts and felt God’s undeniable presence with them. As a result, they were able to radiate unwavering faith and courage even amid severe trials and persecution!

Indeed, no hardship or pain could take away the indescribable joy from the hearts of these saints, a true joy that the world can never offer!


Reflection

Have you always felt that choosing God's path is a burdensome task? What is the reason behind that feeling?

After today's reflection, do you find yourself having a deeper understanding and empathy for what God asks of us? Take a moment to listen to what God wants to tell you right now.

Are you willing to endure some of life's pain for the sake of the people you love? And are you willing to let God, who loves you unconditionally, accompany you through the challenges you face?


Today’s Prayer

Abba Father, I have always focused on the pain that suffering has brought me. Although my mind tells me that these challenges You allow are for my good, deep down in my heart, I still have countless questions and endless confusion. I feel helpless, as if I must face it all on my own, and that feeling was overwhelming.

But today, You made me realize that I am not facing it alone. You have always been by my side. I just never noticed Your presence, never allowed You to accompany me through these life's hardships, and never tasted the sweetness of facing them together with You.

Please let me truly feel the sweetness of having You by my side, holding my hand. I desire to be like the saints throughout the ages, cherishing every experience of sharing both joys and sorrows with You, and encountering You in a deeper and more intimate way.


Music

"3 MINUTES RELAXATION MUSIC | 4K Scenic View of Tuscany" by Introvert Pianist / ‪@IntrovertPianist‬

"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi / ‪@88keystoeuphoria‬ ‬

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