Our Daily Bread

In 1948, Life magazine brought together a group of labor-union representatives, industrial leaders, university scholars, and clergy to discuss what the framers of the United States Constitution had in mind when they referred to“the pursuit of happiness.”They agreed that steady work under good conditions at a living wage was absolutely essential. Some included the values of racial fairness, unselfishness, and integrity.

This led one participant, a brilliant young woman who had been crippled by polio, to say,“It is my experience that suffering and pain are, unfortunately, great character builders—not that suffering is good in itself, but because it often helps to shift our expectation of happiness from without to a search for it from within.” True, but we can find inner happiness only by knowing God personally and walking the path of trust and obedience.

Happiness isn’t found by pursuing it. It’s a by-product of seeking an ever-closer walk with God. When we do, we will find a depth of happiness no person or thing can give. That’s what David referred to when he said,“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8).