Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
– Romans 5:1-5
At one time or another, most men search for happiness in the wrong way. We try to find it in seeking money, power, pleasure and fame. But Paul tells us where we can find the most sought-after things in life. He lists three practical benefits of following Christ: peace with God (v. 1), hope in affliction (v. 3), and love that’s unconditional (v. 5).
Look over your life and identify the places, things or experiences you go to in search of happiness. Do they actually produce happiness? Does that happiness last? Now consider the three benefits of knowing Christ that Paul mentions. These benefits hold considerable power to change your whole outlook on life (and death). They go far beyond any search for temporary happiness.
This devotional is an excerpt from the PK Study Bible. For more devotionals and encouraging resources, download the FREE Promise Keepers app. (Download for iOS or for Android.)