Listen

Lord, I long for your saving help! Your Instruction is my joy! Let me live again so I can praise you! Let your rules help me!

Psalm 119:174-175

Think

Sometimes we long for things we think are good for us when those things keep us from experiencing true happiness. We all want to be happy and live in a world where happiness is the norm. We need, however, to use a better standard to define and measure happiness.

The writer of today’s psalm longs for salvation and finds delight in God’s law. The writer does not long for material wealth or fame because those things are not a source of true happiness. The writer instead finds joy in keeping God’s law.

What things bring you joy? We find lasting happiness when we find joy in doing what God calls us to do. This happiness comes from loving and being present for others as God loves and is present for us. Upside-down happiness recognizes God with us and compels us to show up for others.

James Blay

Pray

Ever-present God, thank you for walking with me on this journey. May your presence continue to fill my heart with joy and direct my every action. I pray for wisdom and strength as I try to follow your law. Amen.

Go

Spread the word; a different standard of happiness is available for everyone.