It was one of those days. The world looked bleak in my little corner. Light seemed to be shaded and filtered at my house. And in contrast, everything my neighbors had or experienced was highlighted-bright and shiny.

Were they happy? They certainly appeared to be. I asked God, "Why don't I have all the things they have? Shouldn't I be happy?"

And the Father asked me, "What do you call happiness? Where are you looking for it? And who is your provider?"

I sat and stewed over the answer.

• Was I counting on myself to create happiness in my life? In that case, did I think I could work harder, faster, smarter, to get what I needed? Could I be doing things better?


• Was I counting on someone else? Would another person give me satisfaction? If there was a special someone in my life, would that do the trick? Would I feel worthwhile? Would I be significant?


• Did I count on more or better stuff to make me happy? Did I need a new car, or a bigger house, maybe just a prettier wardrobe?

Over the years, I've tried all these things. Not one of them, not all of them, succeeded in making me a happier person. But God does have the answer. He supplies all I need.

God has promised me, in his word:

• I will not be in want because he is my shepherd. The shepherd protects and cares for all the needs of his sheep. (Psalm 23:1)


• I lack nothing. Right now. At this moment, I lack nothing.(Psalm 34:9-10)


• He doesn't promise things will be easy, but when hard times come, my God will not leave me. He will take care of me. (Joshua 1:5, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 37:19)


• When I actively seek God. When I strive for his will and his character, he will give it to me, and everything I need to live, as well. (Matthew 6:33)


• The Father says I can't even begin to think of or imagine the treasures he has planned for me. (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Living in this world, that is far from holy and righteous, I wonder why the Creator would take care of me this way.

The answer is also in his word. He tells me who I am.

• I am chosen to be holy and blameless in his sight. (Colossians 3:12, Ephesians 1:4)


• I am loved. (John 3:16, Colossians 3:12)


• I am a child of the King. (Galatians 3:26, 1 John 2:28)


• I am set apart to belong to him. (1 Peter 2:9)


• I am kept and protected by God. (1 Peter 1:5)

This is joy. This is happiness.


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