Big G, little g

When I arrived in Chicago 7 years ago, I knew it was God's plan.  He made it clear that I was to be there, and there's nothing more comforting than knowing you are exactly where God wants you to be.  Life wasn't perfect but it was Good.  That's capital "G" Good.  God's Good.  My good is a lowercase "g" and don't be fooled, there's a big difference.

"Little g" good is chocolate cake for breakfast, an awesome weekend with friends, getting a raise/bonus to pay for the shoes, bag, vacation, etc I've been been wanting.  It can also be feeling fulfilled daily at work, finally catching the eye of the one I've had my eye on, or just feeling happy.

None of these are bad things.  But they aren't necessarily "G" Good.  Sometimes, Big G Good is being unhappy at work but going in everyday with a smile on my face because God told me I'm the only one planting seeds of truth in someone's life.  It could be an extended period of singleness which leads to a closer relationship with Christ. Or doing things that are unpopular with loved ones simply because God asked you to.

Big G Good comes when I put myself aside and seek to bring God glory instead of chasing after earthly praise and temporary happiness. Big G Good doesn't always feel good.  Sometimes it's downright frustrating and uncomfortable.  It might not put a smile on my face or make me jump and shout from the rooftops but it brings a certain joy that is only explained by being in God's will.

Happiness is a feeling derived from enjoyable circumstances.  Joy is a choice or belief that no matter your circumstances, your God is bigger and will bring about Good. Good that will glorify Him and further His kingdom. Little g is instant gratification, Big G has an eternal focus.

 How can we focus on Big G in 2015 instead of settling for the fleeting and false sense of happiness that little g brings?