Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul: Finding True Joy: Pursuing Purpose Over Happiness

Key Verse: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33

Introduction: The Illusion of Chasing Happiness

As men in recovery, we often fall into the trap of chasing happiness as if it’s a prize we can earn or a state we can permanently capture. We think, “If I just get sober, land the right job, find the right relationship, or reach this goal, I’ll finally be happy.” But what happens when we achieve those milestones and still feel empty? Or when life throws challenge our way, and happiness feels like it’s nowhere to be found?

Happiness, as the world defines it, is fleeting. It comes and goes with circumstances, moods, and events. When we pursue happiness for its own sake, we often end up feeling emptier and more dissatisfied. Why? Because happiness was never meant to be our ultimate goal. Instead, God calls us to pursue something far greater: purpose, integrity, and His will for our lives.

When we align our lives with God’s purpose, we discover a deeper joy—a joy that isn’t dependent on circumstances but flows from living a life of meaning and faith.

The Problem with Pursuing Happiness Alone

The Bible warns us about seeking fulfillment in the wrong places. Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 recounts King Solomon’s own struggle with chasing worldly happiness:

“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”

Solomon had it all—wealth, power, pleasure—but in the end, he realized it left him empty. This is the trap many of us fall into when we make happiness our ultimate goal. Whether it’s through alcohol, substances, material success, or relationships, we attempt to fill a void that only God can truly satisfy.

Happiness is not a destination we can reach or a state we can permanently maintain. It’s a by-product of living a meaningful, God-centered life. When we focus on values that reflect God’s character—honesty, love, service, and obedience to His will—we find something far more enduring than happiness: joy.

Choosing Purpose Over Happiness

So, if happiness isn’t the goal, what is? The Apostle Paul offers an answer in Philippians 4:11-13:

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”

Paul’s contentment didn’t come from his external circumstances. He experienced hardship, persecution, and suffering, yet he found joy in fulfilling God’s purpose for his life. Paul knew that true satisfaction comes from living in alignment with God’s will.

The Eleventh Step in recovery echoes this biblical truth: “We pray only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry that out.” Instead of chasing happiness, we learn to focus on discovering and fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. When we seek His will, we find:

Integrity – Living honestly and authentically.
Service – Helping others and contributing to their well-being.
Faith – Trusting God even in difficulties.
Relationships – Building meaningful, loving connections.

When we pursue these values, we experience an inner joy that remains steady even when life is hard. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:33:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

When we prioritize God’s kingdom and His righteousness, everything else falls into place. We no longer need to chase fleeting happiness because we’re rooted in something eternal.

The Joy of Living with Meaning

Happiness is about external circumstances, but joy is about internal alignment. Joy comes from knowing we are living with integrity, serving others, and walking in God’s will. Even on difficult days, when we’re not feeling particularly happy, we can still have a sense of peace and fulfillment.

James 1:2-4 reminds us:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

This passage challenges us to view even life’s difficulties as opportunities for growth. When we face trials with faith, God uses them to strengthen us, deepen our character, and draw us closer to Him. The result is not fleeting happiness but lasting joy and spiritual maturity.

Practical Steps to Pursue Purpose

Here are four practical steps to shift your focus from chasing happiness to pursuing God’s purpose for your life:

Pray for God’s Guidance
Each day, ask God to reveal His will for you. Pray for the strength to carry it out, even when it’s difficult. Remember the Eleventh Step: “We pray only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry that out.”
- Reflect on Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Live With Integrity
Make choices that align with your faith and values. Be honest with yourself and others, even when it’s hard. Integrity builds a foundation of trust and self-respect.
- Reflect on Psalm 15:2: “The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart.”
Serve Others
Look for ways to contribute to the well-being of those around you. Acts of service shift our focus from ourselves to others and bring a deep sense of purpose.
- Reflect on Galatians 5:13: “Serve one another humbly in love.”
Accept Life’s Ups and Downs
Learn to embrace life’s challenges with faith. Trust that God is working in your circumstances for your good. Even when you’re not “happy,” you can have peace knowing you’re fulfilling His purpose.
- Reflect on Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Reflective Questions

Take some time to reflect on the following questions:

Have you ever chased happiness as a goal? How did it leave you feeling?
What values or priorities are you focusing on right now? Are they aligned with God’s will?
How can you seek God’s purpose for your life this week?
Who in your life can you serve or encourage as a way of living out your purpose?
Can you think of a time when you felt joy, even in the midst of difficulties? What made that possible?

Feel free to write down your answers in a journal, share them with a trusted friend, or leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts and insights!

Call to Action: Seek God’s Purpose Today

Brothers, true joy isn’t found in chasing happiness—it’s found in seeking God’s will and living a life of purpose. This week, I encourage you to take one small step toward discovering and fulfilling God’s purpose for your life:

Spend time in prayer, asking God to show you His will.
Practice honesty and integrity in your daily interactions.
Look for one opportunity to serve someone else.
Accept difficulties with faith and trust in God’s goodness.

If this message resonated with you, leave a comment below and share your thoughts. How have you found joy in living with purpose? What helps you stay focused on God’s will rather than chasing temporary happiness?

Let’s grow together as men who pursue faith, integrity, and service—living lives that truly matter. God bless you on your journey!