I’d Be Happy If…

Sharon JaynesDreams of a Woman, Expectant Living 132 Comments

My husband, Steve, loves golf. When a salesman invited him to be his guest on one of Charlotte’s most prestigious courses, he jumped at the chance. He plays mostly public courses, so this was a real treat.

As they drove their cart up to the sixth tee, Steve scanned the tree-lined fairway dressed in pink, purple, and fuchsia azaleas in full bloom. Six multimillion-dollar mansions surrounded the green. Swimming pools sat motionless, manicured lawns lay weedless, and $50,000 cars were parked in the driveways. Then Steve’s host began to unfold the stories behind those walls.

“See that first house? Those folks are separated. The wife had two affairs, and her husband finally left. And that second house? The wife has caught her husband with a prostitute twice. She wants to divorce him, but she’s recently inherited ten million dollars from her father and doesn’t want her husband to get any of the money. She’s trying to figure out the best way to get out of the marriage and keep her money.

“And that third house, the one with the yard that looks somewhat unkempt? That couple also got a divorce, and their house has been for sale for seven months.” (Yes, the guy was gossiping. Not just a problem with the fairer sex.) Steve was struck with the broken lives surrounding him. Later he told me, “These were people who had achieved everything they thought would ever make them happy, and they were miserable.”

“Do you think they wanted more?” I asked.

“No,” he replied. “I think they wanted something different, but they don’t even know what that different is.”

The Samaritan woman at the well we meet in John chapter 4 had the same problem. She wanted something different than what she had. She was thirsty and didn’t even know what she was thirsty for.

We all come into the world thirsty. From the time my son made his first cry in the delivery room, he began rooting around for something to drink. God planned it that way.

We also come into the world spiritually thirsty. From the time we are cut loose from our mother’s nourishing umbilical cord, we begin our journey to discovering the living water to satisfy the soul. Oh, we don’t know it yet, but God has placed the desire for something more in each and every one of His image bearers. Until we meet Jesus at the well, we fumble about trying to quench the God-given thirst with anything and anyone who offers temporary relief.

But it’s just that…temporary.

Jesus explained, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)

It is only in a relationship with Jesus that we discover what author Peter Kreeft called, “the ultimate purpose for which we were created, the meeting and marriage between ourselves and God…the highest and holiest and happiest hope of the human heart, the thing we were all born hungering (and thirsting) for, hunting for, longing for.”

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been like Samaritan woman—drinking from many shallow streams. Maybe not the same shallow stream, but unsatisfying ones none-the-less. And all those shallow streams left me thirsty for more—or at least for something different. Jesus offers us the same water He offered her: freely flowing, resplendently refreshing. Water that bubbles up from the indwelling Holy Spirit and quenches every thirst, washes away every sin, and flows into every nook and cranny of our beings.

I live on a lake. I can look at the lake, swim in the lake and even stand in the lake…and still die of thirst. The only way for the water to enter my system is to scoop it up and drink.

Likewise, we can read about Jesus, listen to sermons about Jesus, and even believe that He was a good man. But until we actually believe that Jesus is God’s Son, the Messiah, who died for our sins and rose again…until we partake of Jesus and make Him Lord of our lives, we will remain thirsty.

I’ll be happy if… What would you put at the end of that sentence? If I had a man? A baby? A bigger house? A smaller waistline? If it’s anything other than a personal, growing, intimate relationship with Jesus we’ll have a water bucket riddled with holes.

Today, let’s fill our buckets to the brim and drink deeply. And friend, I am honored to sit by the well with you today.

Leave a comment and tell me where you’re reading from. I’ll pick one name and send a free copy of The 5 Dreams of Every Woman…and How God Longs for Fulfill Them.

Congratulations to Daniel White, the winner of Glynnis Whitwer’s book, Doing Busy Better!

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Comments 132

  1. Literally reading from my home computer very early, drinking blackberry tea, and wishing I didn’t have to work. Thank you for the reminder that my “I will be happy if” is not if I didn’t have to work but “a personal, growing, intimate relationship with Jesus”. Have a wonderful day growing in Jesus wherever you are.

    1. I am a retired pastor and reading this from your GIG email devotional on my home computer. Thank you for those devotions – they have been just what I needed SO MANY TIMES, especially since I went through a serious burn-out a few years ago, and still suffering some effects from it. Many blessings on your personal life and ministry!

    2. I’m struggling with my teenage girls and trying to make ends this devotional I read helped me realize I should relax and let God take care of us

    3. I have only just read some of your devotionals. I truly love your openess and raw honesty in your devotionals. It is so easy to get caught up in the distractions of life and forget where you are and what it is that you’re truly seeking to fulfill you and make you happy. I am in Australia, Melbourne.
      God Bless you and your family.

    4. My daughter is in college and struggles with crippling anxiety. I’m praying that she will open her heart to the satisfying love of our precious Lord. This devotion will be sent her way. I realize you’re busy, but would you join me in prayer for her to let go and invite Jesus into her life. His satisfying water, living water, is the only thing that can take away our anxiety and set us on a path if peace, love and joy. I’m praying for GIG and am grateful, each new day, for your ministry.

  2. I am reading this from your emailed devotional. I’m thankful for someone (Connie Woody), some years ago introduced me to The Girlfriends in God! I enjoy getting those devotions emailed to me so much that I signed up for yours too.

  3. Love this devotion. Thank you for sitting by the well with me.

    We live on a farm in northwest Missouri and drink clean fresh well water which is supplied by underground streams. You hit the nail on the head for me when writing “The only way for the water to enter my system is to scoop it up and drink.” That takes an action on my part! Today I will think of the Samaritan woman at the well with Jesus and drink deeply.

  4. Thanks for this reminder that our true happiness is in God alone. I am reading from the Green Mountain state of Vermont. God bless you, Sharon!!!

  5. Good morning! Reading early morning from the couch in our camper while we struggle to finish building a home that has not gone as planned, but is turning out to be a wonderful, life changing time! Thank you for your teachings, as they supplement my daily Bible study:)

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  6. Good morning Sharon! I am reading from the quiet solitude of my personal sanctuary at home (my bathroom).

  7. I am 65 years old. This is a new season in our lives. Social security, Medicare and ALL the time to do whatever we want and whenever we want. The VERY first thing I do each morning is to welcome God by running to His word!!!!! With GIG I have been able to see and feel Gods words more clearly!! One of my favorite verses is: Psalms 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; let me rejoice and be glad in it. I look forward to seeing what God’s plan is for me each day. Blessings to all of you.

  8. Thank You, Sharon, for expressing my feelings so eloquently. It took me 60 plus years to embrace this truth and I couldn’t be happier.
    Love,
    Penny

  9. Hi Sharon, reading from Texas! Thank you for this message! We too see so many hungry thirsty souls and we seek to share about Jesus, the Living Water. Would love to have your book! Praying for you daily!

  10. I’m reading while sitting in view of the Mississippi- house-and dog sitting – enjoying the birds in the early morning quiet of this beautiful place God created. Thank you Sharon. The Lord truly has inspired you.

  11. I am reading from Long Island, New York. I’m happy for a chance to win your book, The Five Dreams of Every Woman. Your blog posts are a blessing to me. Thank you for sharing your heart.

  12. I don’t think I have ever said “I would be happy if only”. My life has never been good and I have accepted that for what it is and I have always thought that God would give me a little when I would atone. But I really never understood how to keep doing what he wanted of me? I am a very upbeat, positive, never give up person.

  13. I’m in Atlanta, Ga. I am moved by your blogs. I definitely agree that until we quench the thirst that is a loving, growing and intimate relationship with Jesus, we will be forever thirsting and looking for fulfillment in all the wrong places.

  14. Hi Sharon, Thank you for helping me not to deviate from His path. Through the years you have walked with me and helped me to realize that life is only great if we remain in Him. That way we find purpose in the trials, contentment, and blessings. A lot of blessings!

  15. I want that inner peace with God more than anything else. I worry about lots of things and I know God is there but then I think how could He love me…i struggle with finances and other things so all I want is the walk with God and inner peace

  16. I’m reading from Lacey, Washington. Thank you for this reminder that my happiness doesn’t come from worldly things or pursuits, but from Jesus and His holy spirit.

  17. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Lately, I have been really thirsty for God.
    Thank you Lord that you never forget me, that you never leave me.
    I’m reading on my phone, sitting in my backyard early morning in Hot San Antonio TX.

  18. Reading from Charlottesville, VA. Thank you…as always with your devotionals this hit home. Forwarded it to all the ladies in my contacts.

  19. I’m Marcia and I’m reading your post from right in the middle of Brazil. By the way, I’d love to have your book “Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold” translated into Portuguese, so my friends who do not speak English could also enjoy reading it. Amazing book!!! 🙂

  20. I am reading from Troy, Alabama and love your books. Your blogs always seem to be just in time when I am struggling and need that encouragement to fit the situation.

  21. I am reading your devotion this morning from the quiet of my living room on a summer morning in North Carolina. Timely reminder to focus on God and let Him be the one to fulfill me completely.

  22. These words touched me exactly where I’m at right now.
    I plan to read this book regardless of whether I “win” it or not.
    I live in Coldstream, British Columbia.

  23. When you reach a place that everyone in your life has died and all you had is gone, that’s when you realize just how very much you are dying of thirst.

  24. I am at work in Danville, IL, on my lunch break reading your post. I just signed up to get your emails and am so excited! This is exactly what I needed to read today.

  25. Dear Sharon, Right now, I am writing from my phone at my home in Concord, NC, because we don’t have internet here. Most of the year, I read your devotionals from China where more husband and I teach. I am under mountains of pressure and stress, pulled in every direction with all my responsibilities at work and at home. Thirst for Jesus constantly dtaws me back to Him but ‘fitting Him into my packed schedule is a challenge. Nancy

  26. Thank you for your post today. I am really struggling and I believe the Lord is teaching me some humility, or is correcting me for not obeying, I am not sure which! But your message hit home for sure! I am reading your message from Broomfield, CO.

  27. Dear Sharon
    Thanks so much for this today. I feel constantly torn between a life fully devoted to Jesus and one where other things (pleasing others above all!) take precedence. I am prancing that one day, one day…I will learn that only in Him can we find our life giving water! Love and God bless, Alice

  28. I left my ministry teaching at a Christian school a few months ago and have been miserable. I took my eyes off Jesus and thought a higher paying job would release our burdens financially (my husband has many health problems and is recovering from cancer). I have humbly asked to return to the school. Your words confirmed my action. Only being in God’s will is fulfilling and lifts the thirst! Please pray with me that God will open a door for my return to ministry.

  29. I am reading from John were Jesus ask Peter 3 x lovest thou me. I have read, hear and written these verses many times over many years but they have hit me hard this time can’t seem to move past them. I keep thinking what I would do if I look into Jesus’ eyes as he said, “do you even like me” phileo love. It breaks my heart I want agape love. I just keep going back and reading, meditating and praying these verses back to Jesus and saying like Peter Lord you know I love you. But I don’t feel released yet to read anywhere else, so I will keep reading until God shows me something else he wants me to really get. Blessed be the name of our Lord.

  30. Hi, Sharon! I’m reading this wonderful article you wrote from a weekly e-mail that is sent to me from your website. I enjoy reading your articles, and would live to win a copy of your book, thank you, and God bless!

  31. Bless you for this wonderful illustration. It’s so true we are never satisfied with life and Jesus is truly the answer

  32. Hi, I’m Tabitha and I’m reading from Fort Wayne IN…. I have been blessed to have you Sharon, Gwen, and Mary in my lives with your daily devotions from GIG and each of y’all blogs, y’all have helped me get back to the well where I thirst and can be fully filled, instead of being lost and thirsty in my life’s path… Thank you for sharing your journey with me. I look forward every morning to read my devotions and from y’all blogs and on the weekend y’all blogs is where I find my devotions for the day 🙂
    Thank you so much, I could only wish you knew how much it means to me because when I felt I had no one to encourage or lift me up, To help me, it was y’all who has been there and helped me and lifted me up, and helped me get back on a Journey I have always longed for… thank you doesn’t seem like the words that fit the puzzle piece!!! Thank you again.
    Hugs, Tabitha

  33. I’m reading from North Augusta, SC. I’ve also been reading “Take Hold of the Faith You Long For” and love it.

  34. First time to read your post but was inspired . I am in the last season of life ( 80s) but know that God still has me here for a reason. I enjoyed this very much . I’m going to keep on keeping on til I’m called hometo glory !

  35. Wow. Reading from Lubbock, TX… and so needed this today. Thank you for sharing. I want to be an image bearer. Even in my walk at this time of my life… God is still showing me areas He wants my full attention. My whole heart. Not huge to some… but areas that are drawing me away from Him. That is huge!

  36. I’m reading from Wasilla, AK. What you wrote is the truth. We are always searching for more- and Jesus is the only one who can satisfy. My mother always said that if you can’t be happy where you are- you will never find happiness- Jesus provides peace and joy in any situation- in a small house or a grand mansion! Thank you for this reading. After returning from a trip where I was surrounded by people who seemed to have it all – nice cars, homes on the lake- I needed to hear that I, too, have it all because I have Jesus.

  37. This is a great message. How we are holding happiness and looking for it in the wrong places. That was me before I met Jesus and I realized that He is my happiness. Thank you!

  38. I am at work on my lunch break. I am happy when I pray and think of Jesus, every time I do this, I smile and know that God loves me. I give him all my worries daily and thank him all the time for all the wonderful things he has provided for me.

  39. I am reading from my back yard. I am living in a house my husband choose. I have had happy times here, but never been happy with the house. Now we are broke and now he says we can move and I am totally frustrated. When the never been perfect husband (34 years) finally starts asking you and giving you time….. Having great difficulty believing I am truly first now.

  40. I’m not as close to God as I’d like to be, but I’ve come to realize that He is the only one and only thing that satisfies my soul.

  41. So true….the last few years this has been my desire. I had fallen away from the Lord and needed to get back to where I knew that he wanted me to be. Thank you for sharing…until this is our one and only desire we will continue to be hungry and not know what we are searching for when all the time it was Jesus himself.

  42. Thirsting after the things of this world will never satisfy. It’s difficult to watch loved ones search in vain for something or someone to bring them joy and meaning in their life.

    Reading from Minnesota.

  43. I’m reading from New Zealand. Love this devotional. I’m walking with God on a journey. Your awesome book A Sudden Glory has been such a blessing to me.
    For 54 years I’ve been running around trying to please God it’s taken so long to learn I just need to stop hold His hand and walk with Him. God has used you, Sharon, to bring me closer to Him.
    I am indebted.
    Thank you so much
    Carolyn Barr xox

  44. Reading on the computer which is on my very messy desk at school, and wishing I’d had that wording in years past when talking to several friends who were ‘thirsty’. Thanks for giving me words and focus!!

  45. Just recently installed your app Praying Wives and came across this blog. I have long subscribed to Girlfriends in God and the devotionals you send everyday really helps me a lot with my relationship with the Lord. You really are a blessing to women like me. Reading from the Philippines! God bless you more and more everyday! 😊

  46. Reading from Sunshine Coast Australia. So true. We forget we are in a battle and today more than ever we need to drink from the truth and the true living water whose source is Jesus. Thanks for the reminder. Keep up the good fight and keep Gods word close.

  47. I’m laying down on my bed scanning your website from Clarion, Iowa. I was asked if i would like to go to the women’s conference again this year. You are the speaker for the event. My Sista gave me a link to your website so I could decide if I would like to go.
    Kim

  48. I love your blogs, they are so inspiring and speak to me on a personal level. I am reading from Elgin, South Carolina in my living room.

  49. Reading from Arlington, Tx. I so needed this reminder. I seem to be easily distracted by the cares of this world. After a few short days or weeks I end up thirsty and dry. Thanks for this beautiful reminder.

  50. I’m sitting in my living room here in Canada. Drinking a coffee. Totally enjoying the devotional. God is so great.
    Thanks for sharing.

  51. Good early morning from my patio in Lady Lake, Florida. As I sit here watching the birds at the feeder and my dogs play, I am overcome with God’s graciousness and the knowledge that He has a plan for my future. I am transitioning from a lifelong career in nursing to real estate sales and am feeling unseen, a bit afraid, and “less than” in many aspects. Thanks for the reminder to look to Him and not myself or those around me when I thirst emotionally.

  52. Reading from my phone waiting in the pick up line for my kindergartener. Directed here in a link from my GIG devotion.

  53. Reading this on my smartphone after grabbing a quick bite for lunch and on my way back to work. Your husband’s experience is proof that money will not buy you happiness and satisfaction. Only our Lord and bring us the joy of peace, comfort, security and fulfillment.

  54. Just in time. I need this words of encouragement.
    Everyday of our lives we need Jesus. Everyday of my life i just wanna soaked myself in the presence of Jesus… that makes me happy everyday knowing i have someone to lean on. Thank you Jesus🙌🏻🙏

  55. I am reading from my home in Atikokan, Ontario. Funny how WE forget that in Jesus we can always be joyful, even though HE is constant. Thank you for the reminder.

  56. Thank you so much just read this message this morning and I need this boob book. 8-27-27 (a little behind on my reading)

  57. Reading in the quiet of the early morning, only hearing the music of birds chirping. I often stay too busy and it squeezes out my time with God. This morning I have intentionally not turned on th radio or TV until I had time to read your Blog and reflect on the constant goodness and grace of God. Blessings to you and all those who come here to renew and strengthen teir faith through your words.

  58. Beautifully written. I’m getting married next month. A bit unsure of so many things in my heart. Asking to see if I can meet up with the marriage and family demands. Not enjoying my work as before cos my boss is not good to me again, this seems to come at a wrong time. Trying to gain some weight,yet not resting well. Afraid of losing my mom, cos she’s got breast cancer signs though initial mammogram said nothing is wrong. Yet In all this I still have joy. Just that, I’d be happy if I can still do all it takes to maintain my relationship with JESUS. IT SEEMS HARDER DOING THAT NOW!
    In a bus going to Ogun State,Nigeria
    Sarah

  59. I am sitting here reading the word on my bible. Then saw your blog on my phone. My son recently passed away over the holidays. It’s been really hard to soak in the Holy Spirit’s presence. I am getting there back to where I need to be.
    Thank you for sharing your blog.

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      Becca, I am so sorry. I can’t even imagine how you must feel. I pray that God will heal your heart and fill the empty spaces with His love.

  60. I am sitting in my living room in my chair reading my devotional. I usually only read your Praying Wives daily, but today I was looking to see if I could share your site with someone else and came across this blog. The main thing that I wish for or pray about is that God continue to bless my children as they go about making decisions that are not pleasing to Him. And that He gives me peaceful sleep.

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