“Happiness is inward, and not outward; and so, it does not depend on what we have, but on what we are.” –Henry Van Dyke
What does it take to make you happy? Is it a gold mine or a gold medal? Perhaps it is having the newest phone or video games. Let me tell you that the things of the earth will never satisfy. Technological advances and revisionism will not, actually cannot satisfy the soul. The great Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes noting that the things of this world will never satisfy.
Now me, I take satisfaction is a few simple things: a piece of pie, a cup of coffee, sitting in the cool of the morning with my wife, watching the smiles on the grandkids. True, these things are still external, but they are something that I don’t go out and seek, they are things I just enjoy. I recall reading several journals and letters from those who traveled west. Many of those would write that happiness was a donut (bearsign) or a good cup of coffee or when visiting a home having some jelly to put on a biscuit. Simple, yet satisfying.
Real, true satisfaction and happiness comes from inside a person. It is not something conjured up. It is not something that can be purchased. It is not something that can be lusted after. The truth of the matter is that it is something put within the soul of man. Paul writes, “They show that the essential requirements of the Law are written in their hearts; and their conscience [their sense of right and wrong, their moral choices] bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or perhaps defending them.” (Romans 2:15, Amplified)
Don’t give me the cry–legalism. God expects us to be godly–righteous. Sure the heart can become insensitive or callous, why do you think there is such an outcry against the law that is written in their hearts? They cannot get away from it, so they try to subdue it or challenge it or ignore it. One of the troubles that I see today is that folk of this sort get away with it, whereas in times past they were called to task. These unspoken responsibilities and duties written on the heart are not for a time and place but for every dispensation in life. Violators used to be expelled from society, incarcerated, or even judged with death.
I know, I know, we cannot change the world. However, you can make the place in which you reside a better place. You can listen to that code written in your heart and fulfill its obligations. Jesus said, if you love me, keep my commandments.
“You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.” –Psalm 16:11 (HCSB)