Why so unhappy?

There are a lot of unhappy people in the world around us. Some may laugh and smile a lot when they're around others. But many are putting on a front.

Maybe you're one of those.

You've tried to find happiness in life. But your career has turned into just work. Your family has disappointed you. Your friends are busy. Maybe you've even been disappointed with the promised joy in drugs, sex and money.

Surely, there must be something that will make you happy.

David was the greatest king Israel ever had. From a shepherd boy to king, he had lived the rags to riches story. He must have been very happy.

He was. But it wasn't because of his position and power. It wasn't because of his wealth and women.

His joy was found in God.

"I say to the LORD, 'You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You'" (Ps 16:2). If he didn't have God, he would have nothing good in his life.

"As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight" (v 3). He enjoyed spending time with others who were pursuing God.

"...indeed I have a beautiful inheritance" (v 6). His joy was not found in the earthly riches that were around him, but in his eternal inheritance. Heaven is going to be so much better than anything we could accumulate on earth!

"...because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken" (v 8b). God was his counselor and protector. He had nothing to fear.

"Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure" (v 9). True joy and security was not found in circumstances or surroundings, but in God.

"For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption" (v 10). Death does not even bring despair, because it is only a passage to eternal life in God's presence.

"You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (v 11). God directs and leads us to joy and eternal pleasures.

So joy comes from obeying and trusting God. Seeking delight in Him and in doing His will, not in our selfish desires, will bring happiness.

Obedience to God brings joy.
Selfishness brings sorrow.

So if you're not happy, you're probably being selfish. If you're not happy, you're not being obedient to God.

Choose to obey and trust God. He promises to bring you joy.