Finding real joy in this life - Psalm 19:8 with a story, an observation and a prayer

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 19:8 (NIV)
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

THE STORY:
Harry O. Ritter shares the legend of a comfort-loving man who died and was borne to the other world where every wish was gratified. No effort, no struggle was required of him. He became bored and said: “I can’t stand this everlasting bliss any longer. I want to feel there are things I cannot have. I want to go to hell.” The attendant replied: “And where do you think you are sir?”

AN OBSERVATION:
Have you ever really thought about what would make you happy? I mean really, really happy? This has started to cross my mind more often lately.

My partial list of what individuals seem to think would make them happy are: winning the lottery, have a higher paying job, living in a bigger house or having a house paid for, larger bank account, some drastic changes in their spouse, children, grandchildren, a larger church, more staff, less health worries, a thinner waist line, more leisure time, a nicer car, closer relationship with ones parents or children, someone to clean their house, a second home in the mountains, a RV, extra time and money to travel, etc. I am sure that you can add to this list from your own personal experience.

One of my mentors in the ministry was Wallace Chappell. He told the story of a beauty contest winning teenager who was also president of her student council at high school, drove a beautiful shiny car, and essentially had every wish that she could imagine bestowed upon her by her parents. In bitter tears she shared with Rev. Chappell, “I wish my parents would tell me ‘no’ just once.”

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. It just seems that way until you start living on the other side.

Our real joy and fulfillment doesn’t come from having more, but growing into a deeper relationship with God through Christ. Out of that ongoing relationship our strength radiates and fills the longings of our heart.

PRAYER:
Help me God to long for nothing more than a deeper relationship with you. In Jesus’ name I ask this. Amen