Happiness - Pt. 1

 

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:7-11 ESV).

 

I am often surprised by the number of people who believe that God desires us to experience pain over pleasure, or grief over happiness. God created us to enjoy the greatest of happiness: communion with him. We experience true happiness by loving God and enjoying intimacy with him. In the presence of God there is fullness of joy. Today we are beginning a series in the discovery of happiness in our lives. My prayer is that you will see the purpose of God to bring joy into your experience.

 

The best gifts in life come from God. It is tragic that so many people prefer to look elsewhere. Many seek happiness in possessions, power, or fame. People also seek happiness in pleasures, or they follow their dreams of success, hoping to find fulfillment in their lives. But in the end, they discover that those things offer only a mirage and not true happiness.

 

Happiness is a legitimate desire. Many people look for it eagerly every day of their lives, but they end up empty-handed. The source of happiness is not in things or in our own selfish pursuits, but in God. The best things of this world cannot make us happy, but God can, because he created us, calls us by name, and makes us his own. We become truly happy only when we know God and love him with all our heart and soul.

 

In the coming days we will see some of the genuine paths that lead to happiness. Know where you’re going and choose the route carefully. Genuine happiness is only found in Jesus.