Guest post by Julia Kay
“Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.” Psalm 144:15
The Constitution of the United States declares that we have “certain unalienable rights,” including the “pursuit of happiness.” Pursuit means to go after something. I may seek writing or whatever career path I want without governmental restraint or censorship, so long as it doesn’t break established laws or ordinances, which we must have in place to maintain a civilized society. But does anything ensure our happiness? No.
The citizens of this great nation may pursue college, promotion, career, etc., but pursuing something is not the same as being granted that which is wanted and sought after. None of us have a guarantee that we’ll find happiness, nor is there a guarantee that those who find happiness will keep it. Why? Because happiness is a temporal, emotional state largely derived from our thoughts.
That’s why in Psalm 144, David begins with an attitude of gratitude for all God has done. David understood happiness. He understood that family, growth, work, and prosperity created happy people, but also recognized that the source of these gifts and special favor are from the Lord.
A fat bank account is nice, right? And the convenient accessibility of Amazon makes consumerism particularly easy to chase, bringing instant pleasure to our front door while we’re still in our pajamas. But that kind of happiness is like a vapor quickly disappearing from our psyche. David, in this reverent and beautifully written psalm, recalls how Jehovah has been good to him, and as a result, he finds happiness.
Does that mean people “whose God is the Lord” (verse 15) will be happy? Not necessarily. Because God doesn’t toss out happiness like candy at a parade to a select group of people. We can always find a reason to be unhappy if we’re so inclined. We gain happiness when we change our mindset and take authority over our wayward emotions. An intentional decision to focus on the pleasures and blessings in our lives is a catalyst to feeling happy.
Do I practice what I preach? Absolutely. I have a wall in my office with pictures of my family, notecards with special quotes and verses, and a cross-stitched gift from one of my daughters. I count my blessings. I listen to worship music. I sing off-key. I dance like a crazy woman. Sure, I’m still learning to cultivate a grateful heart and to cherish the moments I’m given. I try to squeeze lemonade from lemony situations, which also requires a big spoonful of sugar. And you
know what? I’m happier more days than not simply because of what I allow myself to think about.
My friend, I know life is hard. I know. But I hope you’ll grab the hand of the Lord and pursue happiness. Chase it down every day. Find the beauty. Give the Lord thanks for His blessings. Seek goodness. And step into the grand adventure He wants to have with you. That’s where we find happiness.
Julia Kay holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Southwest Baptist University and MFA from Lindenwood University. She lives in Missouri with her husband and has four children. She is a columnist and blogger, but also wields her pen to write fiction that explores the human condition and the extraordinary love of God.
Contact information includes:
Website: www.juliakayauthor.com
Email: info@juliakayauthor.com