All people want lasting happiness. But we find sustained joy in the place least expected.

In this series on practicing God’s presence we have seen the recurring idea of joy. There is a deep connection between practicing God’s presence and joy.

The pursuit of lasting happiness

This is an important subject to explore further because happiness is what we’re all after. We pursue joy in innumerable ways, but in the end that is what we’re seeking. We do things because they make us happy.

So what we need to be convinced of is that practicing God’s presence leads to the ultimate experience of joy. The people on earth who practice God’s presence best are the ones who have the most happiness.

In particular if you struggle with sadness or depression, learning to practice God’s presence better is crucial for you.

What King David learned

David, speaking of himself in the third person, says in Psalm 21:6–7, “You make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the LORD, and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.”

David here refers to “the joy of your presence.” He says God’s presence makes him glad. And then he explains further: “For the king trusts in the LORD.” There is a connection between God’s presence and our trust in him. When we practice God’s presence we trust him more.

Security

One of the strongest drives most people have is the pursuit of security. We live in a dangerous world. We can lose anything and everything we value in a moment. Our health, job, money to pay for housing and food and other needs, family, friendships and so on—all are terribly vulnerable. And we know it, so we worry, fear, and feel insecure.

But notice David’s sense of security: “through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.” David says with perfect confidence that he shall not be moved.

And he bases that confidence in God’s steadfast love. Ultimately your sense of security can only come from knowing God’s steadfast love, his covenant-based love, for you. It comes from knowing that steadfast love not just with your head, but with your heart, because trust is a heart thing.

And you know God’s steadfast love with your heart when you practice his presence.

Try it today. Practice God’s presence faithfully throughout the day and see if by the end of the day you do not have more trust in God’s steadfast love, a greater sense of security, and ultimately more joy.

Those who walk closest to God are the happiest people in the world.