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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: My parents didn’t have much time for us children but they did provide for us lavishly. I want to be successful like they have been – traveling the world, attending parties – but I can’t hide the fact that my siblings and I really don’t like being around them. I don’t want to just feed my children well, I want to be with them when they have bad times and to teach them the important things of life. Can this approach be balanced? – L.W.

A: The more knowledge we acquire, the less wisdom we seem to have. The more economic security we gain, the more boredom we generate. The more worldly pleasure we enjoy, the less satisfied and contented we are with life. We are like a restless sea, finding a little peace here and a little pleasure there, but nothing permanent and satisfying. So, the search continues!

People will do almost anything to satisfy their quest for power, pleasure, and wealth in hopes of gaining peace, security, and happiness. Yet inside us, a little voice keeps saying, “We were not meant to be this way – we were meant for better things.”

We have a mysterious feeling that there is a fountain somewhere that contains the happiness that makes life worthwhile. We keep saying to ourselves that somewhere, sometime, we will stumble onto the secret. Sometimes we feel that we have obtained it, only to find it elusive.

Happiness that brings enduring worth to life is not the superficial happiness that is dependent on circumstances. It’s contentment that fills the soul even in the midst of the most distressing circumstances and the most adverse environments. The only source of peace and contentment is in the Lord Jesus. Jesus provides the only ray of hope that shines as an ever-brightening beam in a darkened world.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.