The Earth Institute released the World Happiness Report two years ago in time for the United Nation’s Conference on Happiness. According to this report, the world’s happiest countries are all in northern Europe – Denmark, Finland, Norway and the Netherlands took up the top four spots, in that order. The United States ranked eleventh. The report stated that happier countries tend to be richer countries. Yet more important for happiness than income are social factors like the strength of social support, the absence of corruption and the degree of personal freedom.

The joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.

Nehemiah 12:43

Everyone wants to be happy. However, happiness is often a temporary condition based on circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, comes only from knowing the love of your Heavenly Father. Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

As you talk to your Lord and read His Word, thank God for the gift of true joy. Read His love letter, the Bible, every day as you grow in your relationship with Him. Intercede for those local and national leaders who don’t personally know Jesus Christ. Pray they would experience the true joy that only comes from a relationship with their Creator.

Recommended Reading: John 16:20-28