Our struggle to “have it all" usually begins with the state of our hearts. We set out to make our heart happy by chasing after what we know will make us happyâ€" family, careers, and even religion. In the same way, many that claim to know Jesus lack the evidence of the joy that comes from an abundant life in Him.

King David's first wife, Michal, was the daughter of the former King, Saul. She had lived a privileged life and probably had everything her heart could desire, but she lacked joy. Her heart longed for something she had possibly not yet discovered. She had been raised as a child of God, knowing His Word and practicing His commandments, but she hadn’t discovered her own personal relationship with God the way her husband had.

David’s relationship with the Lord is evident throughout Scripture. On the day that the Ark of God (which held the tablets upon which the Ten Commandments were written) was being brought into Jerusalem, King David was overjoyed. But Michal sat, perched, high above the crowds and watched with disgust as her husband rejoiced and danced in Holy celebration. David, who openly loved the Lord with all his heart and soul could not contain his joy as he demonstrated his passion for God without shame or regret as he danced in the streets. His wife, who could not share in David’s joy, disapproved of and even criticized his actions. David had seen the Lord move in many ways and had seen how the Lord had poured out his blessings time and time again, and now that the Ark of God's Covenant had been brought to his city, he could not contain himself. His wife on the other hand, wasn't willing to allow herself the freedom to enjoy God's blessings. Her heart, that had once loved David so deeply, had turned to scorn and it prevented her from receiving the Lord's blessings that came with hosting the Ark. (1 Chr. 15:29) Sadly, Michal allowed this disappointment to turn into bitterness and she missed out on the beautiful opportunity of enjoying a full and abundant life.

How often are we like Michal and allow the hurt and the disappointment from not having all we want to keep us from serving the Lord or simply finding joy in His blessings.  We are called to invite God into our hearts and our homes with the same kind of dancing and rejoicing that David had; Joy that others may not understand. A truly happy heart is found only in a personal relationship with Jesus. Have you found that joy?

Suggested Prayer: Dear God, I ask that you come into my life and fill me with the unsurpassed joy that only a life in You can give. Allow my joy to spill over and touch the lives of those who are still seeking You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Psalm 144:15 (CSB).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.