This is Me...or is it?

Get the discussion questions for This is Me...or is it?

Of course, under normal circumstances, you should be concerned if you have voices in your head...especially if they are saying they don't like you or predict a coming alien invasion. But in this case, I think Demi Lovato has a great observation about life in her new hit This Is Me.

You're the voice I hear inside my head,
The reason that I'm singing.
I need to find you; I gotta find you.
You're the missing piece I need,
The song inside of me.
I need to find you; I gotta find you.

The voice in her head sounds like a good thing because it's given her a perspective on life that's helped her find happiness.

Speaking of happiness...if you haven't found any lately, or if you've ever felt bored or struggled with depression - please read below:

There is a formula to life that is true and real. It's obvious, and it's everywhere, yet people still choose to ignore it every minute of every day. The formula goes like this:

Chasing after happiness = boredom and depression.

No really - it's true. If the focus of your day-to-day goal and your life purpose is to try to be happy, you are basically drinking sea water to quench your thirst. It may temporarily fulfill your desire, but over the long haul, it will poison your life.

Why? Because (as This Is Me points out) - we all have a 'missing piece' that we need to find our real self, and the Bible points out what that piece is:

He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

What this means is that at the core of our being is 'eternity' - that is, a desire to have our lives be connected to something eternal and forever. So, when we make life into a trivial pursuit game of 'I wanna be happy' - then the hole in our soul reminds us that we are made to chase after things that are bigger than us - bigger than even our own lives.

Here's what Jesus taught on this subject:

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?

"And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. (Luke 12:22-26; 29-31).

In other words, if you want to be the true 'you', then fulfill your calling as a human being - which is living for God. He is eternal. And everything you do in your life for Him will last forever. That's why there is another formula for life that is absolutely spot on:

Chasing after God= happiness and contentment

Trying to find happiness in things of this world is a dead end trail...letting God be the missing piece to your life is actually the road to happiness. Isn't that ironic? If we want to be happy, we need to stop worrying about being happy. If we choose to be a part of God's plan in the world - which is for everyone to have a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ and bring everything under His control - happiness will follow us like an expert tracker.

Head: What you need to know about this truth

Chasing after happiness will only leave us bored and depressed, but following after God will give us fulfillment and ultimate happiness.

Heart: What you need to feel about this truth

If you don't feel happy, it's probably because you are trying too hard. Feel happy because you know your life is headed the right direction when you serve the eternal God.

Hands: What you need to do about this truth

Think about all the ways we try to find happiness that are really dead ends. This week, focus on ways you could make your life reflect God's glory and make it count for eternity.