THE PRESSURE OF JOY

Chief goal, per Aristotle's Ethics, is 'happiness' (page 2 or 3, if I remember correctly.) Happiness is not a guide, however, it is a goal. Ever used 'happy' as a guide, and found 'sad'? Me too.
 
The Bible sets out 'revelation' to tell us what God's truth is, who he is, and how we can and should navigate to find true happiness. I am a pilgrim on this journey.
 
Jesus, for the 'joy' set before him, endured the cross. (Hebrews 12:2) The cross, at one very dark and yet significant time in Jesus' life, was in line with, on the road to, complete happiness. It was - and maybe you relate – a time when Jesus asked God to change the course (Matthew 26:39), felt as if God had abandoned him (Matthew 27:46), and was so deeply distressed that he sweat blood in anticipation. (Luke 22:44)
 
David, walking in truth and in his calling, was up and down - like you and me - in his feelings. He kept his course, however, at these dark and confusing times, and asked God to bring the 'joy'. He did not flail and swing left or right to shake the feeling of sadness and find happiness somewhere else or in being someone else. He knew where he needed to be, who he needed to be, and asked God to bring the 'joy'.
 
‘Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.’ (Psalm 86:4)