Is Your Soul Happy?
Life’s demands can drain our joy. Discover how reflecting on God’s creation and His Word can restore the soul.
When was the last time you just sat outside and stared at the sky above?
I was dog sitting. Neither he nor I was interested in taking a walk so we sat staring at the sky. Soon, dozens of graceful, honking cranes flew overhead in V-shaped formations. Even the dog watched. Where were they coming from? Where were they going?
Their passing reminded me of how the psalmist David described the course of the sun, “It rejoices as a strong man to run his course” (Psalm 19:5 NASB). Those magnificent birds, who fly such great distances, also seemed to rejoice as they flew overhead!
But I wouldn’t have noticed them if I hadn’t been outside, gazing upwards. What else am I missing because I get caught up in daily routines filled with the buzz of electronically transmitted sounds?
How often do we miss the triumphant, glorious music of the heavens—or other ways God gives us to discover Him?
Reflection is a discipline. It requires that we stop being busy for a few moments to observe not just what’s above in the sky, but what’s written by inspiration of God. There’s ample revelation of God in nature and even more, specifically, in Scripture.
All too often, what we hope will make us happy instead zaps our energy and joy. The demands of work, of people needing something from us, and of bills that must be paid, keep us running without rest or reflection. We don’t feel triumphant like the cranes in flight. Grounded, we say, “This is life—get used to it!”
George Mueller, who founded orphanages and schools, was no stranger to needs and demands. His counsel, in essence, was this: Above all else, see to it that your souls are happy in the Lord. Other things may press upon you; the Lord’s work may even have claims upon your attention, but it is of supreme and paramount importance that you should seek above all things to have your souls happy in God Himself.
Even with a positive attitude, it’s hard to manufacture happiness. The secret to rejoicing like the cranes and the sun while we run our daily race is to take the time to reflect on the Word of God.
Psalm 19:4-11 moves from the sun’s glorious course to the soul-restoring goodness of God’s Word. When you and I take time to reflect upon and obey God’s instruction, we’re restored, enlightened, made wise—and filled with joy!
How is this possible?
Because in the Bible, God reveals who He is, how we became separated from Him, and His great love for us. Though we’re burdened by the demands of life, God provides what our souls most deeply desire: relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.
Today, take time to look and reflect; let the Bible become more desirable than gold…and sweeter than honey. Seek above all things to be happy in the Lord.
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