Pursuing happiness

TODAY'S BIBLE READING:

Leviticus 15:1-16:28 

Mark 7:1-23

Psalm 40:11-17

Proverbs 10:13-14

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Psalm 40:16 "But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, 'The LORD is great!'" 

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

There is one thing that is common among all people groups, in all places, at all times - the desire to be happy. We love it when our hearts are filled with happiness, when our minds are experiencing a positive sense of well-being.

We hear from medical science that being in a state of happiness does wonders for our bodies.

The Bible isn't silent on this subject. God recognizes that we have a craving to be happy. So, he commands us to be happy (see Philippians 4:4; Psalm 37:4; etc.)

But, commanding us to be happy would be an impossible command if there was nothing to make us happy. So what makes us happy?

There are plenty of secondary things that can bring a follower of Jesus happiness such as time with family, gazing at a clear night sky, watching a funny movie, and holding a newborn child. All of these things and more are good. We should find delight in them.

But, there is something that is primary, something that we should long to enjoy even before all of the secondary things. That "something" is a person - God.

Just listen to the verse for the day again:

Psalm 40:16 "But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, 'The LORD is great!'" 

The Psalmist would have us realize that our desire for joy and gladness can be met as we seek the Lord and find Him. If we don't find this kind of gladness in our current relationship with the Lord, then there is more to be enjoyed, friend. There is much that we are missing out on.

“You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless, until they can find rest in you.” - St. Augustine