Happiness
Gordon Crook, PastorGrace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalms 1:1-3
Blessed means “happy.” How many are searching today for the secret to happiness? It is found right here in God’s Word. This true happiness, that lasts. Happiness is usually tied to circumstances. Something that happens makes us happy. This is why happiness is so elusive for many. Well, here we find a reason for happiness that goes on and on. There are many things that can make us happy. I found a few in Scripture.
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” Psalms 32:1. Knowing your sins are forgiven is reason enough for happiness every day. “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 16:17. “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:28. It seems pretty clear from Scripture that studying, believing and obeying God’s Word will make us happy. If you are wondering if there is any evidence of this, I can tell you there is substantial evidence in millions who have chosen to do just this and found great happiness.
Let’s break this down a little. The first verse gives us some things that happy (blessed) people avoid. Walking always speaks about the conduct of our lives. “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:2. “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” Ephesians 5:8. “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,” Ephesians 5:15 Do we live our lives in the counsel or after the advice of the world? We should be allowing the Bible to direct our lives. The world will lead us in a direction that is contrary to Word of God. I love the idea of thinking Biblically about everything. Even though the Bible does not directly address every single thing that we have in our lives, there are principles that guide us if we allow the Holy Spirit to teach us.
Standing in the way of sinners speaks about the idea of continuing in sin because we are forgiven. Paul addresses this in Romans 5 and 6. Since grace abounds more where sin abounds, should we continue in sin? Paul answers this in Romans 6. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:1-2. Grace should actually draw us away from sin and towards God’s Holiness.
Sitting is even more permanent. Now we are talking about just getting comfortable in the seat of the scornful. Scornful is boastful. This is an attitude of thinking we are capable in ourselves. This permeates much of Christianity today as they create programs to help you take control of your life. Blessed are those that know they can’t control their own lives and give control to the Holy Spirit.
The second verse is the key to all of this. It starts with outlining the thing that delights these happy (blessed) people. Think for a minute about what delights you. Are the things of this world a delight to you? How about God’s Word? When you study the Bible, does that delight you? We choose the things that delight us. Do you choose the Word of God? “Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.” Psalms 112:1. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16. If you are looking for happiness, then choose to delight in the Word of God.
The idea of meditating night and day in God’s Word is a difficult concept for most. First, meditating on God’s Word seems to be somewhat a lost concept. Most of our lives these days are in a hurry. Everything is set up to get little quick bites of news or whatever you are interested in. Youtube has demanded that people who want to create on their platform create “shorts.” These are little short videos that are less than a minute. This is because they know the attention limit for most people is only a minute or two.
Meditating is all about taking time to read carefully and allow the Holy Spirit to really speak to you. It will involve some prayerful time and some quiet time just listening to what the Holy Spirit has to say. What I have found is that I often miss something important if I hurry through the passage, and if I take time, the Holy Spirit will minister to my exact need at that moment. When God ministers to your need, you will find yourself being happy. “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.” Psalms 119:97-99
Meditating night and day speaks to me again about the importance of God’s Word in every aspect of our lives at every moment of every day. There is not a single moment in your life that you do not need God’s Word to guide your life. “My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.” Psalms 104:34. Quit looking for happiness in the world, it will not be found there. Seek God’s presence and His Word and you will find happiness.
