A Prayer About Happiness

When I want to enjoy life

MY SAVIOR,

According to the Declaration of Independence, the pursuit of happiness is supposed to be an “unalienable right”—belonging to everyone, naturally and legally. I certainly see people working hard to obtain this elusive experience, perhaps as their own way to declare their independence. I’ve also heard parents say about their children, “I just want them to be happy.” That sounds good, and I want happiness too; but I don’t see many good options in the world for the kind that I desire. Most people’s happiness doesn’t last very long, probably because it is based on short-lived pleasures and experiences such as partying hard, having a great vacation, or owning the latest electronic toy. None of those are necessarily bad, but they are poor substitutes for the real thing. According to your Word and my experience, true happiness is found only in doing your will—living close to you and living your way. Keep me from following trivial pursuits. Totally dependent on you, I want the happiness that only you can bring.

Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Psalm 119:35