By Cyndi
I love to hear my cat purr. When he’s asleep I like to put my head against him and listen to his gentle hum, his tummy rising and falling with each breath. It makes me happy.
I also love to sit on my surfboard on a sunny day, with a soft breeze blowing, looking down through the clear green water at my toes. Occasionally a dolphin will break the surface, arcing close by to reveal their dorsal fin or blow some air. That makes me happy too.
What makes you happy?
Psalm 144:15 says: “Happy is the people whose God is the Lord.”
Sometimes I think I look too much for grandiose things to produce happiness in me. Money, work, ministry, family, relationships — there are a multitude of things that can cause happiness to arise in me. But, these same things can also cause much heartbreak and hurt. All of this stuff can become complicated at times. I prefer to be a little more simplified whenever possible.
I’m a pretty simple person, actually. When I’m not caught up in the stress and worries of life (and the aforementioned items), and I’m at rest in Father’s love, I’m calm and at peace. I’m happy.
There’s simplicity in His presence. If even for just a little while, I can revel in the warmth of sunshine. I can enjoy the smell of rain. I can savor a moment of quiet or the soft fur of my kitty. But I have to be present to feel His presence.
His presence is always with me. It’s not in my doing something, but in my being something — His child. He is simply my God. He is my Father. Therefore, I am happy.
I know it’s difficult to be that simple sometimes and I have to labor to enter into His rest. (Heb.4:11) It’s not always easy, but when I do enter it, it’s wonderful. It’s simple and free. And I’m happy. You can be too.