I love the sound of the following verse, but still I find myself looking for happiness outside of God. Why is it that most of the time I act as though life is found outside of Him, and that I will be the loser for following Him?
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
One of my friends recently told me that she’s going to have fun while she’s in high school (“Life’s already hard enough, why would I add to the pressure?”), and then she’ll follow God. My heart aches for her. I understand—I tried the same thing—but it only led to emptiness.
Yesterday, I found this (hard, but good) quote in the brochure “Quest for Joy” by Desiring God. It says:
"The best news in the world is that there is no conflict between your greatest possible happiness and God’s perfect holiness. Being satisfied with all that God is for you in Jesus magnifies him as the greatest treasure and brings you more joy—eternal, infinite joy—than any other delight ever could."
Have you personally experienced God as the source of joy and pleasure? If not, ask Him to make known to you the path of life, to let you experience fullness of joy in his presence, to allow you to “taste and see that [He] is good.”
Do you relate to my friend’s desire to have fun first, and then get serious about following God?
