But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits. Psalm 5:11
Again, as day five of this eating disorder awareness week continues, we are confronted with another toxic theory: happiness can be attained via pursuing our image wishes. We often chase and erect our thin idols, to the detriment of our awareness that they were never created to satisfy. They will only fail us.
And, it is here we need to differentiate between our flawed definition of happiness and the Divine, lasting meaning of joy.
Happiness, for instance, is defined as “good fortune; pleasure; contentment.”
Joy, however, probes deeper, defined as “the emotion of great delight caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation.”
Furthermore, that joy definition expands to include “a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated.”
And, ideally, that distinction should automatically go to our Divine Creator.
Honor and majesty are found in His presence; strength and joy are found in His sanctuary. 1 Chronicles 16: 27
But realistically? Well, c’mon, you and I know that answer.
Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation. Judges 10:14
We look to any “other” to be our Source of fulfillment. And we are left wanting.
For it, again, was never designed to meet our needs, let alone, create a sense of joy. There is only One Who can do THAT.
Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. Psalms 145:16
In our wishing for happiness, do you and I stop to realize the Source of it all is ALREADY there?