Directly or indirectly, everything we do is geared towards achieving happiness – however we define it for ourselves. Advertising companies and their clients make a fortune marketing products and services to us. They convince us that these will bring us happiness. We enter into debt just to purchase them. We also do things we should ordinarily avoid, believing that they will make us happy. At the end we realize that we are still not happy. These promises are all like a mirage. But rather than stop, we move on to the next shiny, promising thing. The cycle continues, to our detriment. The psalmist reminds us that true happiness is found in taking delight in, and meditating on God’s law. Those who do so become like a tree planted beside running water, which yields fruits in abundance and its leaves never fade. God affirms this through Isaiah, telling us that our prosperity will flow like a river when we hearken to his commandments. Where have you searched for happiness? Where do you find happiness? Find time to meditate on God’s Word during this Advent. 

Prayer: Lord, your word is lamp for our feet, a light on our path, guide us to yourself, our true happiness and peace. Amen.