When I pursue happiness in happenings nothing much happens. O, I might experience a laugh or two and a little pleasure here and there but nothing long lasting. Years ago, when I quit seeking happiness and began to seek first the kingdom (inner government) of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) something amazing happened. I discovered gladness in the Lord. (Psalm 32:11) I became joyful in God. (Isaiah 61:10) The joy of the Lord became my strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

I discovered that true joy is in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17) It is produced by embracing and surrendering to God the Holy Spirit living in and through you (Galatians 5:20-21) and allowing Him to prompt and lead you moment-by-moment. (Romans 8:14)

Now anything that I do without conscious awareness of God’s presence is quite boring for me. However, as long as I stay continually aware of Christ living in me and directly leading me (Colossians 1:27) joy flows from within me like rivers of living water. (John 7:37-39) That’s why I don’t like group activities that distract my attention from God, but I love it when people come together to keep their focus firmly fixed on the reality of the risen Jesus!

I love to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4) and to inwardly overflow with His “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” (1 Peter 1:8) Whenever I stop rejoicing in the Lord joy begins to drain from my heart, but as long as I stay focused on Jesus, He fills me with His joy (John15:11) even in painful and difficult circumstances. (Habakkuk 3:18-19)

If you have wondered why I am so focused on and can’t stop writing about the presence of the risen Jesus, now you know. I invite you to do the same so that you too can experience such incredible ongoing inner joy!