Last summer, a couple from Sweden took a wrong turn on their way to paradise. The duo was determined to reach the beautiful island of Capri, Italy. As they headed out from Venice, however, they went the wrong way. You see, they had accidentally entered “C-A-R-P-I” into their car’s GPS, not “C-A-P-R-I.” So when the two found themselves in the northern town of Carpi, Italy—some 660 kilometers away from Capri—they were redirected to the place where they hoped to pursue happiness, Capri.
Have you and I set a course for happiness that leads to anything but that blissful state? Fortunately, the psalmist provides clear direction: “Oh, the joys of those who . . . delight in the law of the Lord” (Psalm 1:1-2). When we follow hard after God and dig deep into His Word—taking it to heart—we can be blessed . . . and happy. In Psalm 1:1, we also find that certain things don’t lead to happiness:
• Following evil advice. Is our pursuit of happiness based in the ideals and things of this world, or in God’s blessing?
• Standing with sinners. Who’s influencing us and our path? God leads the godly to good things (Psalm 1:6).
• Joining with mockers. How have we mocked what is sacred in our striving after what is silly and worthless?
In Psalm 1:2, the psalmist writes that we should be “meditating on [God’s Word] day and night.” We often “meditate” on things that can never bring happiness. We long for this and that. Objects become our focus and our passion—consuming our thoughts. But even if we get what we want, the short-lived pleasure doesn’t lead to long-term happiness.
Only when we place our full focus on God and His Word will we be like “trees planted along the riverbank” (Psalm 1:3), flourishing in happiness that comes only from God.
More:
• Psalm 144:15
• Proverbs 16:20
• Jeremiah 17:7-8
Next:
How have you pursued a wrong heading that has led to your unhappiness? What will it take for you to know true happiness?
GrowinginChrist on December 10, 2010 at 8:25 am
I have come to learn, that we not only meditate on “things” that can never bring happiness, but sometimes we spend time meditating on “people” who cannot bring us happiness also. I am learning to be that “tree planted by the riverbank” Each day I spend in God’s word, my roots are growing stronger and longer. I shall not be moved.
tom felten on December 10, 2010 at 9:27 am
Good insight, GrowinginChrist (I love you name btw). We can often obsess over another person—how they’ve treated us, for their attention, trying to gain happiness from them. But only in God will we find the One who can provide true joy! As we “devour” His words He fills our heart with “joy” and “delight” (Jeremiah 15:16).
AmbassadorforChrist on December 10, 2010 at 4:10 pm
I do feel that at especially this time of year we as Christians tend to focus on objects, things, and even people to bring us happiness….But true happiness and fulfillment will only come when we seek it to be in harmony and fellowship with our creator. Then and only then will one understand that “Joy cometh from the Lord…..”
AManofGod on December 11, 2010 at 7:40 pm
This is a common mistake that even we Christians make. When you look to people for joy or happiness you will ALWAYS be disaapointed. I have learned to look to God for my eternal joy and not expect people to deliver that to me….they are completely unable to do so!