Happiness

Aren't we all in search for happiness? That is the question I have been asking myself all night. So I went on a search to find out what TRUE happiness is and where it comes from. Do we make our own happiness by buying the things that we want or having the perfect job or the most loving spouse. Maybe it is from having boat-loads of children or maybe it is watching all those children go to school in the morning!:)
I believe, as hard as it is to grasp, that God doesn't want us to necessarily find happiness in the things of this world. I found the perfect thing to share in the Valley of Vision prayer book, so if you were bored with me before don't bother reading on...I just love how, as our pastor says, 'the old, dead guys" say it.

Happiness
O Lord,
Help me never to expect happiness from the world, but only in thee,
Let me not think that I shall be more happy by living in myself,
for I can only be happy if emplyed for thee,
and if I desire t live in this world only to do and suffer what thou dost allot me.
Teach me that if I do not live a life that satisfies thee,
I shall not live a life that will satisfy myself.
Help me to desire the spirit and temper of angels
who willingly come down to this lower world to perform thy will,
though their desires are heavenly, and not set in the least upon earthly things;
then I shall be of that temper I ought to have.
Help me not to think of living to thee in my own strength,
but always to look to and rely on thee for assistance.
Teach me that there is no greater truth than this,
that I can do nothing for myself.
Lord, this is the life that no unconverted man can live,
yet it is an end that every godly soul presses after;
Let it be then my concern to devote myself and all to thee.
Make me more fruitful and more spiritual,
for barrenness is my daily affliction and load.
How precious is time, and how painful to see it fly with little done to good purpose!
I need thy help: O may my soul sensibly depend upon thee for all sanctification,
and every accomplishment of thy purposes for me, for the world, and for thy kingdom.