Wellbeing

On this page: The pursuit of happiness: centring our lives around God / Parent Seminar: Building Emotional Resilience in Children & Teens 

The pursuit of happiness: centring our lives around God

In our pursuit of happiness, we often find ourselves looking in many directions. We measure success through grades, social status, material wealth and personal achievements. Despite reaching these goals, many still find themselves feeling empty or unfulfilled.

The book of Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon, explores the search for meaning. Solomon, who had unmatched wisdom, wealth, and power, undertook an extensive search for happiness in all the pleasures and achievements the world could offer. Yet, he concluded that it was all meaningless: “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14, NIV).

This realisation resonates with many of us today. We often chase academic success, popularity, and material possessions believing they will bring us lasting joy. While these pursuits can provide temporary satisfaction they also inevitably lead to lasting unrest. Solomon teaches us that these pursuits are not inherently wrong. However ultimately they are empty if they are not rooted in a relationship with God.

Solomon’s journey led him to a powerful truth: true happiness is found in centring our lives around God. In Ecclesiastes 12:13, he concludes, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (NIV). This verse shows us the essence of a fulfilled life, a life lived in reverence to God and alignment with His will.

By focusing on our relationship with God, we find a source of joy and contentment that transcends our circumstances. As the Apostle Paul expresses in the New Testament, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances… I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13, NIV). Paul’s contentment was not dependent on external factors but on his unwavering trust in God.

As Emmaus students navigate the pressures of academics, relationships, and future aspirations, it’s crucial to remind them that true happiness doesn’t come from external achievements or societal validation. Instead, it comes from anchoring their lives in God’s love and purpose. 

Encouraging them to prioritise their spiritual wellbeing and to seek God’s guidance in all aspects of life will help them develop a deep sense of peace and fulfilment that no worldly success can provide.

I pray that the Emmaus students and community strive to look beyond the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and instead embrace a life centred on God, who offers lasting joy, peace, and purpose. As Solomon discovered, a life without God is ultimately meaningless, but a life rooted in Him is rich with meaning and true happiness.

Jarrad Bigg

Counsellor, Secondary School

Parent Seminar: Building Emotional Resilience in Children & Teens

Monday 2 September

6:15pm Coffee and Community

7:00pm Start

Emmaus Performing Arts Centre (EPAC)

South Plympton Campus

Discover effective strategies for responding to your children when they're feeling overwhelmed, to foster calm and connection instead of conflict.

Explore powerful ways to influence the strengthening of the brain to build

self-control, emotional regulation, and resilience in your children.

Karen is a psychologist and a leading authority on child and adolescent anxiety. She is the author of five books, including ‘Hey Warrior’ and ‘Hey Awesome’ which creatively assist children to support and manage anxiety, feelings and behaviour.

Creator of HeySigmund.com, an internationally popular online resource.

Seats are limited, so book early!