Happiness is Your Choice

Daily Scripture Threshing for Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Today's Text: Psalm 16:1-11

Key Verse: Psalm 16:11 (NLT): "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

This Psalm provides the best definition of happiness or joy anyone can ever find. It (happiness) is a deep and lasting sense of fulfillment, and contentment that comes from a personal knowledge and relationship with God. It is living a purpose-driven life based on our relationship with the divine. While the exact circumstances surrounding our text today is unknown; it may have been written during one of three possible times: first, during the reign of King Saul when David was being persecuted by him.; or after David's sin with Bathsheba, expressing his repentance, restoration and gratitude; or perhaps, as a reflection on his experiences, trusting God's sovereignty and provision. In any of those times, it takes a genuine connection with God and a sense of satisfaction in His presence to make such assertion.

This reveals that in whatever situation we find ourselves, happiness is a choice, not a circumstance. True happiness originates from God's presence in our lives; not from wealth, friendship and situation. When we choose to seek God, we experience great joy, which is even a deeper dimension to happiness. This means that the battles for happiness are first won or lost in our hearts, then our will, and finally in our choices. We often wait until life's challenges overwhelm us before seeking God. But Scripture urges us to settle life's issues between God and us first. David had to first settle the matter of knowing the path of life before expressing his anticipation to be filled with joy in God's presence, or the eternal pleasures at His right hand. To be happy is not by social media. It is from seeking God's presence and delighting in His commands.

Action Step: Reflect on your priorities: Are there areas where you're seeking happiness outside God? Return to God through prayer. Choose God's blessings and goodness.

Quote for the Day: "Obedience to God's decrees is essential for experiencing divine blessing." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You today seeking happiness that only Your presence can bring. Forgive me for seeking joy in fleeting things. Guide me to delight in You and Your commands and help me to put my trust Your sovereignty. Fill me with joy and eternal pleasures as I choose to seek You first in all I do — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, check Philippians 4:4-7 and 1 Petet 1:6,7.

Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please, write or visit: The Darling Bishop, 2321 S Beltline Rd Suite 144 Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA.

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With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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