The Declaration of Independence states that we as a people should have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. God gives us life, our government has protected our liberties, and we get to pursue happiness.

For years I have mentored athletes and watched them go through the highs and lows of success. So many of them are happy when they’re winning, and depressed when losing. The greatest tragedy is to see one of these guys actually win a world championship, and discover that their happiness is gone the next day. When Jesus said that in “Him” is the fullness of joy, I think He gave us an insight into what true happiness can look like. When you know that your purpose and your identity are wrapped up in being a child of God, then you can find yourself in a place of feeling His joy over everything you do. You can still have goals and dreams, but until we learn to recognize the joy that can be had in the process, we will remain victims that keep waiting for something to happen to make us happy. Do you feel His joy for you?