Powerful principles. Practical application.

If only ______ would happen.

If only ______ hadn’t happened.

If only ______ would change.

If only ______ would end.

If only ______ would start.

If only so-and-so would change.

If only I had a better job.

If only I had more time.

If only I had kids.

If only my kids were a little older.

If only I had a spouse.

If only I were older.

If only I were younger.

We all have an “if only”. Every if only is a lie. It’s a false idol. It’s a possibility we worship. It’s a hook we hang our happiness on. It’s a mirage in the desert. It’s not real. It’s the carrot Satan dangles in front of us. And we trot after it, but never attain it.

Because your “if only” never goes away, it just changes. One “if only” becomes another and another.

The unspoken end to the “if only” sentence is “…then I’d be happy.”

It’s the lie that what you have isn’t enough. It’s the lie that happiness lies on the other side of your “if only”. It’s an excuse for not learning to be joyful and content in whatsoever state you are (Philippians 4:11).

Don’t fall for Satan’s “if only trap”. Happiness doesn’t come from the one tree in the garden of Eden you can’t have. It comes from God. And you already have Him.