Are You Happy? [Short, Encouraging Words]

Are you happy? I mean deep inside where no one else sees. If not, you are not alone. We’re all running and chasing after happiness. Sometimes we catch up to her and enjoy her sweetness. Other times, she seems a million miles away and we’re left feeling abandoned and discouraged. There are also times she seems so close we can see her face, and yet each time we grab hold of her hand she slips away. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could find her, hold on, and never be separated from her? Is this wishful thinking?

After a lifetime of pursuing happiness (in people, in my work and hobbies, and even in my pets), and often coming up empty handed, I’ve come to realize that happiness is not about our feelings, it’s about our faith in God. Yes, it is wishful thinking to believe that we can cling to happiness 24/7. We all know that life can be cruel at times. But here’s the good news! WE CAN CLING TO GOD 24/7, AND EXPERIENCE HIS PEACE AND JOY, WHICH RESULTS IN TRUE HAPPINESS.

While there is nothing wrong with chasing after happiness and desiring good things in life, there’s a false notion that the “things” we’re chasing after can fill the deepest longings of the heart. The truth is, God placed the desire for happiness within us to lead us to himself. So today, if you’re longing for happiness and struggling to find it, I’d like to encourage you to pause from your pursuit of happiness and talk to God about what you’re feeling. Are you exhausted from your search? Are you disillusioned and disheartened? Have relationships, social media, work and accolades left you half full? God created you and knows how to fill your longing for happiness, peace, and joy. Pour out your heart and talk to him like a friend.

As you talk to God, I’d like to leave you with a thought that came to me while I was journaling about happiness . . .

I’ve heard it said that the most important thing is to enjoy life. I think that the most important thing is to enjoy God—for he is the source of life and every happiness!

Today, I’d like to encourage you to simply ENJOY GOD. Become aware of his sweet presence moment by moment through nature and his Word—thank him for something, tell him how you’re feeling, offer him your joys and sorrows, and deepest longings. Chase after God with all your heart and draw your daily joy from his presence —at home, at work, while driving, shopping, resting, running . . . IN HIS PRESENCE IS FULLNESS OF JOY! (Psalm 16:11).

For more thoughts on finding happiness and joy along life’s journey, I’d like to encourage you to check out my latest book: “Pawz & Pray: Finding Joy in the Journey with God, Family, and Furry Friends! 130 Inspiring Stories and devotions for Dog Lovers”

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you

    and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

    and give you peace.”

—Numbers 6:24-26

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New Book Release!

Are you tired of running? Is your heart heavy with care? This revised edition of Pawz & Pray will inspire comfort and calm, and joyful living with sweet stories of hope, inspiring reflections, scriptures, prayers, and quotes! If you’d like to draw closer to God, and happen to have a sweet spot for dogs, this book is for you! Also makes a great gift for your dog lover friends.

“Leila’s book has been a true inspiration to me. It makes you focus on what’s really important in life!”— Holly Cornwell, Editor 2007 – 2014, The Royal Spaniels [Read more reviews]

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