February 12, 2019 Issue #155

Nagging discontent ruins true happiness

Nothing wrong with that. The world tells us we can find happiness in career, money, a house, car, or a relationship. We work like a maniac at it and achieve those coveted things.

Then comes the letdown.

Even when we achieve our dreams, we find they don't completely satisfy. What we thought would bring happiness — soul-deep happiness — doesn't. Instead of asking ourself why, we either try to get more or we invent another dream we think might work.

In this month's feature article, we'll explore what's wrong. We'll see why we ignore the truth and discover, once and for all, how to end that feeling of nagging discontent.

Your courage

Every loss becomes a gain,
A rung to take you higher.
Closer, ever closer
To the prize that you aspire.

Learn the lesson, take a step.
Don't let it get you down.
Stay on track, don't look back.
Ahead awaits your crown.

Take a breather if you must,
But don't give in to fear.
Victories come step by step
To those who persevere.

When you give your very best,
Your courage is your win.
Every loss becomes a gain.
Never give up, never give in.

~ Jack Zavada, 2019, www.inspiration-for-singles.com ~

Hope is the 'battery' of your life!

That's a problem, but not as big a problem as when the "battery" of your life has run down.

Hope is that battery. Hope keeps you going. Hope gives you enthusiasm, energy, and the drive to get up in the morning because you know good things are coming your way.

Hope for Hurting Singles shows you how to build that all-important hope and keep it strong.

Because the single life is so full of hope-draining situations, it's easy to get discouraged. Author Jack Zavada has faced them all in his 45 years as a single, and he's got lots to tell. Learn where he went wrong—and where he went right — in this down-to-earth guide to overcoming emotional challenges. Hope for Hurting Singles has answers:

• Lonely? Read Chapter One here.
  
• Frustrated? Read page 115.
  
• Shy? Read page 28.
  
• Depressed? Read page 58.
  
• Afraid? Read page 96.
  
• Hurt? Read page 173.
  

Hope for Hurting Singles will recharge your spiritual battery so you can face the world with power, the kind of power only God can supply.

Order your copy today. It's only $10.99 at amazon.com.

Ancient wisdom in February's QOTM

Have you noticed all the restlessness in the world today? People are searching, searching, but they can't seem to find the answer. They don't even know what they're searching for.

Money and fame don't work. Look at all the unhappy celebrities. Drugs and alcohol don't work. Look at all the millions of miserable drug addicts and alcoholics. Career success? At some point it just leaves you feeling empty. We singles think marriage is the silver bullet. But if that's true, why do so many marriages end in divorce?

No, Augustine got it right 16 centuries ago. The deepest desire of your heart is like a lock, and only one key fits: God. He alone can open it and fill it with the happiness you've always longed for. Learn how in this month's feature article.

Is Valentine's Day for us or for them?

Have you noticed how the TV commercials and newspaper ads seem to focus on men buying stuff for their sweetheart? Why is that? Shouldn't women be encouraged to be nice to their sweetie too?

Yeah, whatever.

Excuse me for being cynical, but Valentine's Day always seemed to me to be a day of created expectations. Candy companies, florists, greeting card businesses, and restaurants make their best profits of the year on that day. And if you're a guy in a relationship and you don't meet those high expectations, WOE UNTO YOU.

What should we singles do if we're not in a romantic relationship February 14th? Well, I'd advise against eating a quart of ice cream at one sitting or binge-watching tearjerker movies.

Valentine's Day is fine, but if you're disappointed this year, don't let it drag you down. Until that sweetie comes along, keep reminding yourself that Jesus is not a consolation prize.

What? A pill to treat loneliness?

It's true. Scientists are exploring medicines to both treat the effects of loneliness and to lower people's fears of reaching out to others. One major cause of loneliness? Cell phones. No kidding. People today would rather interact with their phone than with the live person next to them.

What did Jesus do when he felt lonely? He didn't look for a pill. He did the three things described here. You can do them too.

On another subject, are you doing anything different yet this year? In the December Inspire-O-Gram I mentioned making a little sign for my office that says "Do Something Different!" In fact, I'm looking at it right now. Doing something different puts another variable into play in your life. It may be the trigger that causes something good to happen. And the more different things you do, the greater the odds things will change — for the better.

One different thing we can all do this year is take a fresh look at our faith. Christianity should be an adventure.

Forget extreme sports, rock climbing, motorcycle racing. Nothing is packed with thrills like trusting God. Oh, and if you want to zing an email to me, use our trusty contact form. Your message will go right to my personal inbox.

If you live it like it's meant to be, the Christian life has enough excitement for anybody. So live large, 'cause God's in charge!

See you in March, single friend!

Jack Zavada