The believer's happiness
(James Smith "The Loved One Absent" 1860)
"Oh, that I knew where I might find HIM!" Job 23:3
The believer's happiness consists very much in the presence of God, and a sense of His love. His happiness is not in place, or circumstances, or friends — but in God Himself as revealed in Jesus.
Anywhere,
at any time,
in any condition,
alone or in any company,
we can be happy — if we realize that God is present, and can enter into communion with Him.
Real religion always . . .
centers in God,
feasts on God, and
is satisfied with God alone.
The teachings of the Holy Spirit brings us away from other sources of peace and satisfaction — to God alone. And in God, as made known in Jesus, we find . . .
all we want,
all we wish,
all we can enjoy!
"You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand!" Psalm 16:11. Oh, blessed thought! Having been brought to set our hearts on God, to find our happiness in God — soon, very soon, we shall enjoy His perfect, perpetual presence; and shall never more sigh, or cry, "Oh, that I knew where I might find HIM!"
"And so we will be with the Lord forever!" 1 Thessalonians 4:17