The Issue of the Potsherds of the Earth

"Pride of heart thinks nothing too high for the man, and so arraigns before its tribunal the divine proceedings, pretends to see through them, censures freely and condemns. But humiliation of spirit disposes a man to think awfully and honorably of those mysteries of Providence he is not able to see through. . .What else can possibly be the issue of the potsherds of the earth dashing against the Rock of ages, but that they are broken to pieces? All men must certainly bow or break under the mighty hand of God (Rom 11:33; Job 41:8)." - Thomas Boston, from The Crook in the Lot, Christian Heritage edition pages 136 & 139

Do Not Seek Happiness. Seek God.

"If you seek righteousness more than happiness you'll get both. If you seek happiness more than righteousness you'll get neither . . . 

The person who is happy is always the one who has stopped trying to be happy . . .

The less you're concerned about happiness, and the more you're concerned about God, the happier you get . . . 

Aim at heaven you get earth thrown in. Aim at earth you get neither . . .

Happiness is brought about not by controlling your environment but by controlling your allegiances."  - Tim Keller commenting on Psalm 1 concerning the search for happiness.

Keller makes the biblical point that happiness is always a byproduct of a pursuit of something else, something fundamental to the character of our Creator. This is why the Bible repeatedly promises blessing to those who strive for purity, holiness, contentment, etc; to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, not happiness. "Happiness is always and only a byproduct of seeking something else more than happiness." The Bible nowhere says that blessed is the one who seeks blessedness.

More Mind, More Joy

"Christianity is always NOT the absence of thinking, 

but the presence of more thinking."

Tim Keller, commenting on Romans 8, and the need for the mind in the pursuit of happiness

The Final & Eternal Yes

"For there are many prayers not to be answered till we come to the other world (Ro 7:24) and there all will be answered at once." 
Thomas Boston, from Crook in the Lot, page 76 of the Christian Heritage edition

To the Christian Rich - Faith is Better than Gold

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. -- 1 Peter 1:3-9