Everyone is fighting their own battles, often times hiding the pain behind something as simple as a smile. We never truly know what one is going through. We don’t know another’s struggle, pain, confusion or heartbreak. Through suffering we often hiding our true emotions by masking them with a smile or laughter.

In this life, we will experience pain, fear, doubt. God never promised suffering in this life, however, he did promise his unconditional love during the suffering. He has promised a truth so incredible we often doubt the word. We often doubt the beauty that he embodies, the promises he’s made.

Our hearts are bound to wander, we are bound to doubt, we are bound to be held back by fear. But Jesus promises us that we will not walk in this life alone. While this earthly world is not our home, he is always our sides. He has told us that we will not walk through darkness alone.

Our Epicurean lifestyle should be centered around Jesus.

We are constantly putting pressure on ourselves to feel more, experience more, travel more, etc. when we should be focusing all of our intent on the God who created us with purpose. He wants us to focus on him. He desires our hearts. Often, our hearts desire earthly experiences, our hearts desire that idea of an earthly fulfillment.

Our hearts desire earthly successes. We’re constantly wondering what else is out in the world. We fear missing out on what this earthly world has to offer. We fear settling down too young, we fear not finding love, we fear not experiencing life to the fullest, we fear rejection, we fear disappointment. While all of these seem to be valid concerns, we should be putting our focus on the Cross. On the reason we are alive, the purpose for us being on this planet. We are hear to serve the Lord with a passion to no end.

We put too much pressure on happiness, on experiences, on fun, on people. We shouldn’t put pressure on these earthly things, as we will never truly feel fulfilled within them. The idea that the World owes us something is an obstacle we need to surpass.

We need to get over this ideal, because our true home in heaven is so much greater than we can even conceive. It’s so much easier to go through this life with the understanding that there is a more beautiful place we will be living. It’s impossible to find eternal fulfillment in this world, in your gpa, in your travels, in your spouse. . We are so unsatisfied because we have lost sight of what true fulfillment is. Fulfillment and satisfaction is found in Christ alone

The greater need for Christ, the less pain and disappointment you will feel in this life. The glory of heaven should put everything into perspective. There is eternal future bliss that is yours. This heartbreak, this let down, this disappointment, this rejection will be forgotten when you’re in heaven in awe of the one who gave it all.

Smiling past the pain is something we all do. But lean into him when you’re struggling, confused and hurting. He will rejuvenate your soul. He will mend your brokenness, he will love you limitlessly. You’re not alone. There may be pain behind your smile, but search for true Joy through him.