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.

How do we experience well-being as a result of keeping the Lord in view?

Practicing God’s presence requires effort and self-control, and therefore we need to know why we are doing it. King David describes four benefits in Psalm 16:7–11.

Why Practice God’s Presence?

1. To receive God’s counsel

Psalm 16:7 says, “I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.”

David says this happens to him day and night. As he goes through his day doing his work and thinking about God regularly, wisdom comes to his mind. As he considers his way, he knows what to do. As he lays in bed thinking about his life, still practicing God’s presence, God directs his thoughts, emotions, and will.

2. To have confidence

Psalm 16:8 says, “I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”

As David faced the challenges of life, he kept God in view. As a result, God was bigger in his mind than his problems.

We fall into fear and worry only when our problems loom larger in our thoughts than God’s ability and control.

3. To hope in ultimate salvation

Psalm 16:9–11 says, “⁹my flesh also dwells secure. ¹⁰ For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. ¹¹ You make known to me the path of life”

David speaks here about what will happen to him after he dies. He is confident God will not leave him in “Sheol,” which is the Hebrew word for where the soul goes after death. He is confident the ultimate destiny of his “flesh” is not “corruption,” that is, his body left in the grave.

Instead, because David walks with God, God shows him “the path of life.” David knows his ultimate destiny is life. He is walking in God’s ways, so God will give him life after death.

Those who practice God’s presence do not fear death. His presence brings confidence in his promises and a constant awareness of the reality of God and heaven.

4. To know fulness of joy

Psalm 16:9, 11 says, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices…. in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Many think happiness ends when you walk with God. But the reality is, those who practice God’s presence have the most joy.

Believers who do not practice God’s presence suffer many of the same torments as unbelievers: fear, worry, anger, despair, discouragement, and so on. They have not learned to trust and love God fully.

Joy and pleasure are God’s idea and his creation. So the closer we get to him, the happier we are and the more pleasurable life is.

There are many more benefits to practicing God’s presence—the greatest of course being God’s presence—but just these four show how worthwhile it is.

What benefits do you experience from practicing God’s presence? Share them with the rest of us in the comments area below.