"O my God, don't be far from me." —Psalm 38:21. Here we learn two powerful truths: what to avoid and what to pray for. The happiest Christian is one who is closest to God. Just like the sun's warmth is strongest when you're nearest to it, your joy is fullest when you're near Christ. We can't find true comfort when we're focused on empty things. Real satisfaction comes when we're alive in God's ways.

The world might find joy in other things, but we can't. I don't judge those who don't know God for seeking after their pleasures. Why should I? That's all they have to enjoy. There's a story of a woman who was kind to her unconverted husband, believing this life might be his only happiness. She decided to make it as joyful as it could be for him.

Christians, though, need to seek their joy above, not in worldly pursuits. Chasing them is risky for a renewed soul. There's a tale of a philosopher who fell into a pit while gazing at the stars, but those who focus on lesser things fall deeper. That's a dangerous fall.

We're not safe when our souls grow lazy and God feels distant. Our standing in Christ is secure forever, but our experience of holiness and closeness to Jesus can waver. Satan rarely targets a Christian living close to God. He strikes when we stray, become spiritually weak, and chase worldly distractions. He might confront an active believer, but those battles are typically brief. When we slip in our walk, we invite spiritual attack. Let's seek grace to walk humbly with God.