The audio for this devotional is not available for now, but you can have your device read it to you.
Reading options
Verse:“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” —John 15:11
A recent survey found that the happiest of the United States is Hawaii. Of those surveyed, Hawaiians were most likely to say they were “thriving,” that they smiled and laughed a lot. And they were the least likely to say they experienced stress. While no place on earth is perfect, warm weather and beautiful beaches in a tropical setting are the things many people only dream about.
People travel to Hawaii from all over the world because of its beauty. The next happiest states, according to the Gallup-Healthways poll, were Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Utah, while the five least happy states were said to be West Virginia, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee.* But what is it that “really” makes a person happy? No matter where you live, you still have to deal with the ups and downs of daily life. Where can a person find happiness that really lasts? Evidently, living your life without reference to God doesn’t bring true happiness, and while palm trees and balmy weather can be nice, nicer still is the peace that comes from being connected to God.
God tells us that real happiness is found in a life that is hidden in Christ, where someone so abides in Jesus that he or she not only recognizes the love of God but also is moved by that love to live a life of loving obedience.
Anything short of that is a life that lacks heaven’s peace, assurance, and the hope of a certain future. Jesus’ desire is that our joy be “full” (John 15:11).
His plan isn’t that we are merely happy but happy to the full. Your living circumstances may change. Life will forever have its ups and downs. True happiness can only be found —and will always be found— in a life lived for the honor and glory of God. The closer you draw to God, the happier you will be.