Minute Musings...True Happiness

How often do we equate happiness with being problem free?  It has taken me a long time
and many precious hours lost to frustration to figure out that, happiness is not found in
the absence of trials, but in the presence of God!  I no longer pray for problems to disappear
so that I can be happy, I have at last become wise enough to plead the presence of Christ
in my life.

Proverbs 16:20b  "Whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he."

There is not much in this old world that we can put our trust in...if anything!  The stock
markets, relationships, health, employment, promises.  Many years ago just a handshake
or your word was enough to bind an agreement, but this would be ludicrous in this day
and age.  People that trust others are viewed as being naïve.  Yet it is this simple act of
trust that can bring about a peace and happiness that the world knows nothing about.  The
crux of the problem is whom or what we place our trust in.  Trust placed in anything that
the world can offer us will lead to broken hearts and disappointment.  When we by faith,
place our trust in the Lord God, we will have entered a relationship that will never fail,
promises that will never be broken, and we will have found a source of strength and
power that will never diminish;  we will have found true happiness.

We find in Psalms 1:1 & 2 the spiritual prescription for real happiness.  "Blessed (this
word means happy) is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor
standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight
is in the law of the LORD;  and in His law doth he meditate day and night."

Do you notice the subtle progression away from God in verse 1?  First you just walk
with the ungodly.  Before long, you are pausing and being included in their company.
Finally, all restraints are gone, and you are spending your time fellowshipping with
the ungodly, partaking of their sinful ways.  We are told that true happiness comes from
not following this path, but instead, finding your delight in the Word of God, meditating
on the Lord, letting His Word, goodness, love, guidance fill your heart and soul.

Where are you looking for happiness today?  If you look to the world you will only
be disappointed.  Seek the presence of God today.  He can be found, regardless of what
you might be going through. 

Jeremiah 29:13  "And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me
with all your heart."

Tis My Happiness Below

 

'Tis my happiness below,

Not to live without the cross;

But the Savior's power to know,

Sanctifying every loss.

 

Trials must and will befall,

But with humble faith to see;

Love inserted upon them all,

This is happiness to me.

 

                                        William Cowper