What are you seeking?

Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually.
~ 1 Chronicles 16:11
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Just the other day I heard a report that discussed just how happy people are. The report divided the country by states, then by cities, and commented on how people in one part of the country were happier than other parts. All I could think about was how those who heard they were in the most unhappy places felt hearing that there existed a better life elsewhere?

Happiness is often associated with blessings. It's as if God is pouring out greater blessings in one part of the country, while ignoring others. I can't begin to share the number of times that people have said, "I just wish that I had what they have," when comparing their life with the life of someone else. Sometimes it's not about one city or another. Sometimes it's as close as a neighbor across the street, a friend, or a sibling.

Sometimes it's just a matter of opening our eyes, and acknowledging what we do have, rather than what we don't. It is the realization that happiness exists, and that the means by which happiness is measured doesn't meet every situation or every community.

It is especially hard when I meet someone who asks, "Why did God heal her but not me?"

Healing and happiness will always exist. Our ideas about both can often challenge, or change our relationship with God. We are reminded each day to "seek out God." It's not that God has to be found. For me, it is a reminder that finding these things is just as important as seeking them out.

In the gospel of Luke when the paralyzed man was lowered down before Christ after friends carried him to a rooftop, then created a hole large enough for the man to be lowered through, it wasn't about Jesus coming to the man. It was about a group of friends seeking out Jesus for the man so that he might find healing.

When Jesus speaks the words, "Your sins are forgiven, take up your mat and walk," to the man, the man must stand and walk.

Our journey for healing and happiness requires our participation, and sometimes, it takes us being intentional about seeking these things out. God is always present. Seek the Lord first, and stay in God's grip!

​G. Todd Williams (c) 2018