You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
We often think we will be happy when certain things happen—when we get married, when we land our dream job, when we buy our dream house, when we achieve our ideal weight, when we go on vacation, when we have children, when the children leave the house…the list goes on and on.
Depending on circumstances to make us happy is understandable. Lots of people do it, but focusing too much on future developments and events can cause us to miss the joy of each day. As we grow spiritually, we learn to appreciate each day more and more, looking forward to the future with a positive attitude, but not letting our goals for the future steal our happiness in the present.
In the early days of my ministry, I had certain milestones in mind, and I believed I would be happy when I reached them. But God showed me that I would never find true joy in achieving goals or reaching milestones. Having them is not wrong, but putting them ahead of God is. True joy is found only in God’s presence, and in serving Him according to His will. Have you found that worldly pursuits have not delivered the happiness you long for? Then spend time with God today and let Him show you what true joy is.
Prayer of the Day: Father, I do not seek happiness in my circumstances. In Your presence is where I find true joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.
