"Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts the LORD" (Psalm 32:10).

An interesting contrast here between the wicked and the one who trusts the LORD: the wicked is surrounded by sorrows, the one who trusts the LORD is surrounded by love.

But when you think it through it make sense.

Think of a list of sins: hate, murder, adultery, lying, envy, greed, selfishness, bitterness, contempt, stealing, rebellion, etc.

When you look through this list, the common factor is selfishness.

"I'm not getting what I want, so I'll just take it."

The wicked person is not content. He is not satisfied.

But the one who is trusting the LORD is content with what God has given him.

He's content with his resources, so he doesn't steal, lie or cheat to get more money.

He's content with his position in life, so he's not trying to manipulate others to like him.

He's content with his wife, or his singleness, so he's not seeking sexual gratification through other means.

He's trusting the LORD.

He's content with what God has given him.

And he's surrounded by God's steadfast love.

What more does he need?

The wicked is filled with sorrow, because he is never satisfied. He wants more.

And his sinful choices have brought consequences that he doesn't like.

His desires are not being satisfied and things are getting worse, not better.

Trust in the LORD. Be satisfied with Him. And you'll be surrounded by His steadfast love.

After you're dead, it's over.

Most of us have been there. If we haven't, then we will some day.

One day, you're sitting with someone. Visiting. Eating. Laughing. Loving.

The next day, they're gone. They've died.

No more visiting with them. No more sharing your favorite meal together. No more hearing their laughter. No more showing expressions of love.

They've died and all that is over.

That's probably what the disciples were thinking, too.

One day they were celebrating the Passover with Jesus, like they had done in the past. They go to the Garden of Gethsemane for a time of prayer. Also, nothing unexpected.

But Jesus had been saying some puzzling things. Betrayal. Watching. Preparing.

While still in the Garden, a mob seizes Jesus. The rumors start.

By the end of the next day, Jesus is dead. Crucified. A public display of the most horrific form of death.

Now it's over. No more visiting with Jesus. No more eating with Jesus. No more laughing with Jesus. No more loving Jesus.

A big hole. Emptiness. Confusion. Fear. It must have eaten away at them for days.

But then on the third day after His death, a couple of women come to tell the disciples that they've seen Jesus.

John and Peter run to the grave. It's empty except for the burial cloths.

Little by little they see Jesus. They hear how others have seen Him. He meets with them. He teaches them. He eats with them. He prepares them.

They thought it was over when Jesus died. But it wasn't.

It had just begun.

(Mark 15-16; 1 Corinthians 15).

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.