Psalm 34:8
O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.
Each year, my mom, dad, brother, and I gather around our living room television to watch home movies from my childhood. The videos are jam-packed with the day-to-day life of my younger self. I look so content singing songs to my dad’s piano accompaniment, reading books with my mom, and playing in the backyard with my brother, Jack. I was carefree, living completely in the moment instead of focusing on the worries of the world.
As I have grown up and have started leaving childhood, though, I’ve begun to experience “real-world problems.” Sometimes, life doesn’t seem like the same bright, happy place that it was when I was a kid. It feels impossible to seem upbeat and carefree all the time. Stress from school, friendships, illnesses, relationships, and finances take center stage as common joys fall further and further down our lists of priorities. This flood of hardship can feel overwhelming and can cause us to lose sight of what’s truly important in life.
God calls us to step out of the downpour of our daily worries into the cover which He provides us. When we take refuge in the safe space which He gives us, we find peace, and ultimately, happiness.
My Grandaddy John used to tell me, “God doesn’t just love you. He likes you.” He likes us so much, in fact, that us being happy makes Him happy. And as it turns out, our happiness can be found simply by taking refuge in God each day.
Just like I never get tired of watching the younger version of myself on home movies, God never gets tired of watching you feel happy and do things you love to do.
So today, take a few moments to act like a kid. Find something that make you happy and do it. Go on a short walk around the block. Cook a new recipe. Paint something. Do something for others. Remember that simply being happy can connect you even more closely to God.