Happiness. It’s something we all strive for and desire. Lots of little things can make me happy – a long phone chat with an old friend, a particularly beautiful day, my two favorite DCs (diet coke and dark chocolate!). It’s something that I often think about when making big decisions. But is happiness the best measure of how my life is going? When I’m working hard in school to memorize tons of tiny details, I’m not particularly happy. When I’m waking up early to go on a run, I’m not particularly happy. When I’m praying with God and wrestling with Him on a big decision, I’m not particularly happy. Yet in all of these situations, I am honoring God by working hard, treating my body well, and struggling to be in the center of God’s will. I would argue that instead, we should strive after joy, a deeper, more lasting sense of peace that comes from being close to the Lord. Joy comes from trusting in the Lord, walking in his ways, and from his Holy Spirit. It is constant despite the trials that we are facing in our lives. I pray that today we can all take a few minutes to rest in the presence of the Lord and remind ourselves of the joy we can have in His presence, regardless of our circumstances!
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:8
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. – Psalm 16:11
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. – Psalm 33:21
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. – 3 John 4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. - James 1:2-3
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