Christian Living

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I’m sure you’ve seen them: people with a sourpuss face. I worked with a guy once who frowned so much, I told him to be careful.

“Why?” he asked.

“Well,” I said. “Your face may crack into a smile from all the pressure.”

Strange. Even my comment did not cause him to lose his focus on frowning.

Why is it so hard for some people to find their happy place? I guess because so much is depressing in today's world. Of course, there is a difference between happiness and joy. We can create any happy moment we want, but the key to true -- and continuous joy -- can only be found in the One who can become it for us.

Let me give you an example: I was happy when my son was born. It was a joyous occasion. But the reality of this new life did not fully sink in until he started to grow and test my parenting skills. Although life was difficult at times, he brought me many happy moments that I will treasure forever. But, that is all he did. His presence did not satisfy my need to know what true joy meant. I didn’t know the meaning of true joy until I was in a situation where sadness overwhelmed me. All I could see was darkness. Yet, in that darkness, the light of God’s love shined through and carried me to the other side. While in the midst of my deepest despair, He not only filled me with His joy but He actually became my joy.

How about you? Are you in a situation where there is sadness at every turn? Has the light of hope gone out of your quest for true joy? Pause right now, and seek the Lord. Ask Him to not only fill you with His joy but to become your joy. You can find your happy place. It’s only just a prayer away.

“Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5 NIV)

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