As we look around we do feel the sense of sadness within us. The economic crises of Europe and particularly in Spain, has been the most heard, read and watched headline so far. These days we are seeing more homeless people; we have friends, neighbors and family members who’ve lost jobs. We have friends who are immigrated to another country for jobs.
The other day Vane met one of her parent’s neighbor and after initial exchange of words about life, we stared talking about family. The neighbor broke into tears right in the middle of the road because her husband has been jobless and now her part-time job is no more secure and this is the only means she has to support the family. Vane took the opportunity to comfort her and also share about the hope in God. At the end of the conversation the lady had God’s name on her lips.
After saying goodbye to her we started talking, for sure we live with much less financial income and economic security than this person but we are happy. We are not depressed and not hopeless, we are thankful to God for all the provision and also the care for our son.  Many people are living under constant uncertainty and the basis of hope and happiness is based on what they don’t have, this means number of unhappy people is constantly growing.Materialism is the basis of identity and destiny. People are not grateful for what they have but they are sad about what they do not have. Materialism is a product of Humanistic Secularism, where everything is given price tag and is measured through it. This thinking is also coming in the church and in the body of Christ. The Holy Bible teaches about being thankful for what we have, this means it recognizes very involvement of God in our lives.
Materialism also got many voices and these voices are seen on the billboards and advertisements. If you have this then your are valuable and if you do not have that then something isn’t right with you.
The only voice that will make us sleep with peace and wake up with enthusiasm is the voice of God, this is the voice of Truth. In the chaotic world we should not loose the habit of hearing God’s voice, and we should not loose the practice of seeking the answers to existential question of life in God.
Happiness does not come from what we have or don’t have, but happiness comes from if we are grateful about what we have.Being thankful to God is the key of happiness and hope. We will be thankful to God, only if we trust in HIS unfailing love and commitment.
Take time to listen and this song by Casting Crowns: