You make 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

God created us to enjoy the greatest of happiness: communion with him. We experience true happiness by loving God and enjoying intimacy with him. In the presence of God there is fullness of joy.

The best gifts in life come from God. But some people prefer to look elsewhere. Many seek happiness in money; others, in fame. People also seek happiness in pleasures, or they follow their dreams of success, hoping to find fulfillment in their lives. But in the end they discover that those things offer only a mirage and not true happiness.

Happiness is a legitimate desire. Many people look for it eagerly every day of their lives, but they end up empty-handed.

The source of happiness is not in things or in our own selfish pursuits, but in God. The best things of this world cannot make us happy, but God can, because he created us, calls us by name, and makes us his own. We become truly happy only when we know God and love him with all our heart and soul.

If we do not have a safe guide, it is easy to take the wrong pathways in life. And whom can we trust but God to faithfully show us the way?

Dear God, may nothing replace the joy we have in being in your presence. Help us always to find satisfaction in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.