The Elusive Pursuit of Happiness
Have you ever felt like Jacob, deceived and disappointed by the unexpected turn of events in your life? In the biblical account of Genesis 29, Jacob’s experience serves as a poignant reminder that our relentless pursuit of happiness often leads to emptiness.
Laban’s daughters, Rachel and Leah, represent two contrasting paths. Rachel, the beautiful and coveted one, symbolizes the allure of worldly desires. Leah, on the other hand, embodies the imperfections and uncertainties of life. Jacob’s infatuation with Rachel led him to offer seven years of free labor to Laban, only to be tricked into marrying Leah instead.
The Void Within
Why did Jacob long for Rachel so intensely? His life was marked by a deep sense of emptiness. He had lost the love and approval of his father, the comfort of his mother’s love, and the assurance of God’s presence. In Rachel, he saw a chance to fill the void and find happiness. But this pursuit of happiness is a universal human experience. As C.S. Lewis so astutely observed, “Most people… would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world.”
The Idolization of Empty Promises
We live in a world that peddles false promises of happiness through wealth, status, and power. We’re led to believe that if we can just acquire this or that, our lives will be complete. But the truth is, these pursuits ultimately leave us feeling unfulfilled. Even Alexander the Great, who had conquered the known world by his thirties, was left crying out in anguish, “Are there no more worlds to conquer?”
The Grass Isn’t Always Greener
The age-old adage “the grass is always greener on the other side” is a myth. The reality is that the grass may look appealing, but it’s often more difficult to maintain. Our relentless pursuit of happiness through worldly means will inevitably lead to disappointment.
A Fulfilling Life
So, what’s the alternative? It’s a life of true worship and service to God. When we focus on Him, we find fulfillment in being the person He uniquely created us to be. As John Grant so eloquently put it, “Life is not a race; it is a fulfillment… Let us keep our eyes on Him and live life to the utmost.”
Leave a Reply