Get Happy: Break the Pattern That's Breaking Youنموونە

Freedom: Find Life by Letting Go

In the last section, we saw that real happiness begins when you stop chasing shallow promises and plant your life by the living water of God’s presence. But there is another powerful current that can pull you away from that rooted life that you need to know about– and that is the modern idea of “freedom.”

Our world prizes independence. We are told to “be true to yourself,” “follow your heart,” and “reach your full potential.” The world’s message is this: happiness comes from answering to yourself. But, as many have discovered, that “self” rule is a much heavier burden than expected. When you alone must define your worth, your direction, and your future, the pressure never lets up.

Jesus said something startling:

“Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” – Matthew 16:25 NIV

At first this sounds upside down. But remember the "blessed" person in Psalm 1?

“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” – Psalm 1:3 NIV

That person prospers because they are like a tree deeply planted and nourished from a source outside itself. Trying to build your life and joy on your own is like pulling that tree up and hoping it can thrive on its own. But it won’t do that; instead, it will only wither.

The world’s dream of “freedom” often ends in restlessness and anxiety. Freedom without guidance leaves you drifting, easily swayed by fear, comparison, or the endless need to prove yourself.

Jesus invites you to a better way: dropping out of the exhausting project of self-definition and the world’s “freedom” goals to entrust your life to Him. This surrender is not about erasing who you are; it’s about living from a deeper strength and security than your own–like the tree thriving because it is planted by streams of water.

When you give up control, you can step into the life you were made for–purposeful, loved, and free from endless striving. A life of true, godly “freedom”, just as Jesus said:

“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36 NIV

Jesus’ version of freedom is different from that of the world. His freedom is not to chase every impulse, adventure or the next shiny thing, but is a deep and lasting freedom from guilt, fear, and emptiness. It’s the ability to live whole and anchored, and not constantly proving or protecting yourself.

Think about where you may be holding onto control – career, image, relationships, safety, or future plans. These things promise joy but can become heavy chains. Releasing them to God doesn’t mean passivity; it means trusting His care and direction more than your own:

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. – Proverbs 16:9 NIV

This type of release is another step to move away from “the pattern of this world” that Paul warned against in Romans 12:2. In doing so, we can begin to unlearn the world’s script and discover a different and better way to live.

Take Time to Reflect

1. Where are you clinging to control, believing it will make you happy?
2. How could surrendering a decision or desire to God lead to greater peace?
3. Does the idea of “losing your life to find it” feel freeing or frightening? Why?