January Spiritual

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Happy New Year! You have likely heard that at least a few times the last couple weeks. I have too, so I began to ask myself, what makes me happy? My friend Mark Paavola at Duluth’s “Encounter” youth center wrote it to me this way…What makes me happy? What can cause my heart to be glad? When are those beautiful times when my soul sings? Is it when I receive a financial blessing? Is it when I look around me and realize that I lack nothing in my life? Is it when I have a substantial amount in my savings account?

To some extent, all those things make me happy. But, if that is the greatest gladness my heart feels, I'm not experiencing the ultimate joy. If 'it is well with my soul' only when it is well with my checkbook, I'm limiting true contentment.

God desires to bless us in many ways. He's a good Father who has a heart to give to His kids. He gets pleasure from giving to us. Yet, our greatest joy will only come from Him, not His blessings. HE GIVES US GLADNESS. When we actively seek to abide in Him, our soul sings!

Psalm 4:7 You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the time when their grain and wine increased.

Lord, I thank you for happiness. I praise you that you have created us to experience such a variety of emotions and feelings. May we realize that our chief joy can only be found in a sincere relationship with you. Lead us down the path that takes us to YOU.