This is where your joy should come from.
Psalm 16:11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Psalm 119:47 How I delight in your commands! How I love them!
In the Declaration of Independence we proclaim that we have been "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." It seems pretty obvious that the average American really likes the pursuit of happiness part.
Our entire culture is built on seeking happiness in the things that the world has to offer. The world has a lot of cool stuff but the problem is, it doesn't bring very much happiness for very long. Long term happiness isn't found in hanging out with ungodly friends, listening to the advice of self-help books and horoscopes, accumulating more cash and conforming to the cultural input around us, these are all dead-end streets.
Happiness in God's presence
Psalm 16:11
Can you be happy in God's presence? Maybe his presence is a scary thought instead of a pleasant one, if so then there are some changes that need to be made. We should be happy in his presence after-all that's where you will spend eternity if you are a member of his family.
Happiness in God's word
Psalm 119:47
Can you be happy in God's word? Does the idea of studying God's word sound like a total bore? If we realize that these really are God's words then we should be excited to hear what he has to say and we should be motivated to live according to his commands.
Happiness in God's work
Psalm 92:4-6
Can you be happy in God's work? Sometimes the work that he is doing in our lives is painful and it may seem like there isn't any reason to be joyful. When we really think about it and look at the blessings that we have it is easy to see that he is at work and that he has blessed us and we can put our hope in him despite the circumstances.
I will remember the enthusiasm of the Psalmist in these passages of scripture, he is so excited at these three thoughts, God's presence, his word and his work in my life should energize me each day.
