In order to experience 'happiness', the world says you must have good self-esteem. Just clear your mind of any negativity brought on by guilt and shame; lovingly accept yourself as if sin never happens, doesn't matter, or is somehow justified. This carnal philosophy doesn't deliver the peace of mind for which one longs. It only masks the pain of a plagued existence.
Organized religion, on the other hand, says that contentment can be attained through obedience to a set of rules. In your accumulation of these 'good works', your hope is that the Lord has accepted them in exchange for His favor. Even in this, an emptiness remains. Sin is always at the door and your formulaic prayers fall to the floor.
Understand that outside of utter brokenness, there can be no peace with God. It is only in this humble state that you are accepted by Him. When there is nothing left to cling to, when all pride has been vanquished, when you only see deprivation as your mantle ... this alone is what the Lord desires.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:17
Only to the soul that is bereft of its own self-importance and smitten with genuine remorse for sin, can peace be afforded. The 'broken' are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ; for there is no true repentance without faith in Him.
Spurgeon - A heart crushed is a fragrant heart. Men view with contempt those who are contemptible in their own eyes, but the Lord sees not as man sees. He despises what men esteem, and values that which they despise. Never yet has God spurned a lowly, weeping penitent, and never will He while God is love and while Jesus is called the Man Who receives sinners.
Unless you have completely 'bottomed out' spiritually, the concept of a JESUS PERIOD faith will escape your grasp. But if Christ becomes your 'All in All', rest for the soul and joy unspeakable are the blessed result.
When you finally come into His presence broken and empty ... He is there with open arms.
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