Praise brings joy in the pursuit of contentment 

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Psalms 22:3 (KJV)

"praises" - Hebrew (Strong's Ref. # 8416): Romanized "thillah" (pronounced teh-hil-law') from HSN1984; laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn. KJV--praise.

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17 (NIV)

Perhaps two of the most illusory commodities chased after in our world today is 'joy' and 'contentment.' In our emotional framework one follows the other.

Joy is that internal, deep sense of well-being from which we draw empathy, compassion and contentment.

In our western society there is little opportunity for singing - if you aren't a professional singer or given to attempting karaoke. Unless you are a church-goer or happen to belong to a civic club that still 'sings' at their meetings, you might listen to singing or dance to singing but, otherwise, rarely do people sing in our society.

Therapists are increasingly turning to 'music therapy' as an effective modality to work with many types of emotional or mental difficulties.

Singing (and 'sing-song' chanting) has long been understood, by all major religions, as an integral part of spirituality and 'being.'

Three thousand years ago the Hebrew psalmist noted that God was 'enthroned upon the songs of His people.' (modern English translation)

In scripture we are encouraged to 'find' the presence of God through the worship of 'song,' privately and corporately. It is important to our devotional life and it is important to our liturgical life.

We can find ourselves transported into the presence of the Holy merely by immersion in a song of praise.

That is where we find 'joy.'

Joy is almost lost to our society. It isn't a good fit with our pop culture. We have microwave ovens and instant oatmeal, "One Minute Managers" and "A Worship Moment Online." 

If you want laughter there is the 24 hour "Comedy Channel." You can even get your 'news' on "Comedy Central."

Joy has been replaced with the quick endorphin release of laughter and happiness. Our drive to accomplishment through duty has been replaced by the adrenalin highs of excitement. Social interaction 'board games' are being replaced by the vicarious living found in video games.

There is very little that is 'deep' in our society and certainly very few who are experiencing a deep sense of well-being. 

Lingering conversations around the dinner table are pretty much a thing of the past, with many homes having fewer than one sit-down meal at a dining table per week.

It is little wonder that Baby-boomers are headlong into pursuits with the hopes of finding joy and contentment...the problem is the direction and method of their pursuits.

Joy isn't developed through external stimulations - happiness generally is. Contentment isn't derived through wealth or status - it is learned. As the Apostle Paul, we can 'learn in whatever situation we are in, therein to be content.' 

We can have that internal, deep sense of well-being that accompanies having God in our daily life. We can have that 'song in our heart' as we develop our walk in faith and hope and purpose. We can then draw from that sense of well-being - reservoirs of empathy, compassion, and yes, contentment.

And there will be joy...a sense that all is well, God is on His throne - and He 'inhabits' the praises of His people.