Anywhere you look in our culture, you're going to find quotes and people and media telling you to follow your heart. But they are wrong. Don't do it.

Following your heart is not what's best for you.

I don't know about you, but my heart doesn't exactly give me much direction, or advice on what I should do. My heart is simply filled with desires. Humans desire so many kinds of things, some are good and some are not so good.

You cannot live a life based on your own desires. You cannot spend your life trying to find "true happiness," whatever you think that could mean. Merriam Webster has several definitions for happiness. The one that I believe most people would use is the second definition, "a state of well-being or contentment." The word JOY is out beside this definition.

Following your heart will not bring you happiness or joy. It may satisfy your desires in the moment, or help you achieve certain goals or aspirations that you have for your life. But it will not give you permanent joy.

What happens when you reach this goal, or gratify that desire? Are you going to be satisfied forever? Or will you want more, something else to look forward to?

We aren't always going to be happy, and that's okay. Trials and struggles help us to grow, and mold us into who we are. The important thing to understand is that joy can be had during these times of struggle.

Know that these hard times will pass. It may take longer for them to pass than you would like, but they will pass. Use them to grow and mature you. You've heard the saying, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." I'm here to tell you this is true, because if you give your burdens over to the Lord, you can find rest.

If I had followed my heart, I would not be where I am in life today. I would be lost in a world of selfish desires. Search for the will of God, and ask Him to lead you. His plans for your life are far greater than any you could imagine, and He won't ever leave you. His love is eternal, and will forever be, unlike the fleeting gratifications of this world.

Follow the Lord, not your heart. Share the joy you find in the Lord with others.