Happy the people whose God is Lord.

Do you ever long for happier times? Perhaps you remember the ways things were in the "good old days" before problems ever entered the world. You know exactly the times I am talking about - the times when you were young and good looking and healthy and carefree and happy, happy, happy!

Or maybe, you don't remember (at least not exactly) because if you did you would remember that you never lived during a time prior to problems entering the world. Only Adam and Eve remember those days, and they are not talking.

Still, once we are honest with ourselves and acknowledge that we have never lived during times of perfection, we do, however, remember better days when we were happier. What was it, exactly, that made us so happy?

I believe that most of us remember being happy during those times that we trusted God and enjoyed peace with those around us. Those times were indeed happy times because trust and peace are highly correlated to happiness. The reason that so many do not feel content now is because they allow evil people to divert their attention. Now it is obvious that we cannot simply ignore evil people (many people tried this and failed under Adolph Hitler's reign - and lived to regret their inattention) but once we have given proper attention to evil men, what prevents our happiness then?

I believe our lack of happiness comes when we take our eyes off of God. We sometimes get so caught up with what evil people are doing that we forget who is in control. It is not the President or the economy or that sorry relative or neighbor that is robbing you of happiness - it is you!

Why, you might indignantly be asking? For the same reasons that make me unhappy, when I am unhappy: A lack of trust in God, combined with a refusal to take responsibility for my own happiness. When you and I really and truly take responsibility for those things that are in our control and then

trust God to take care of everything else

then, and only then, we will be happy again.

And, happiness makes you feel younger and healthier and better looking and more carefree. You should try it - we all should try it!

O taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!

Psalms 34:12, RSV