"The Declaration of Independence contains these well-known words..."We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." The pursuit of happiness has been important to Americans ever since those words were written."

Happiness, however, is elusive. Maybe that is why our founding fathers felt that people should have the right to pursue it. Unfortunately, a lifetime of pursuit will not guarantee success.

Happiness is hard to find because this world is far from perfect. Something fills our world with suffering, sickness, and sadness. Something in peple makes it hard for them to find happiness.

The Bible calls it sin. Its evidence is easy to find. Everything from hurt feelings to vicious murder can be traced to sin.

The worst tragedy is that the pain of sin may never end. It is bad enough that everyone is destined to feel disappointment, sorrow, and pain while they live. What is worse is that the trauma may continue even after life is over.

There is a way to avoid all future grief and to cope with it now. In the Bible God tells us how we can be truly happy, now and forever. God promises it even though our world is filled with disappointment and pain. God provides it, because he's addressed that cause of the unhappiness."

If you've been disappointed with "the pursuit of happiness" in your life, learn more about the happiness God offers you. Pursue some real happiness. Explore with us the happiness Jesus has for you...this Sunday.

Lord, whoever we are, may we always embrace you with all of our mind and heart. Amen.

Learn more about us on our synod website: http://www.wels.net