In a world full of depression, anxiety and worry, wouldn't you like to be happy? Wouldn't you like to have the kind of happiness that does not fade away? It's different from the kind of happiness that the world has to offer, which appears sustainable but has no substance. I would like to show you four examples from God's Word that will demonstrate how you can be continually content and constantly cheerful.
Job 5: 17 says, "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty." It may seem strange, but happiness can be found in being corrected by the Lord. How is that? As Hebrews 12:5-11 explains to us, God "loves those He chastens"(v.6), and that His correction is not for our bad, but "for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness."(v.10) The correcting may not seem pleasant at the time, but we can find happiness knowing that our Father is doing it, because He loves us and wants what is best for us. May you find happiness and not sorrow when the Lord corrects you.
Psalm 127:3-5 says, "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate." This idea flies directly in the face of what society teaches about happiness. Society teaches that you will find happiness when you focus on yourself and do things you want, when in reality God's Word teaches just the opposite. Happiness is found in having many children, because in doing so you will learn to sacrifice your needs and wants for the needs and wants of others. I could never fully express the extreme happiness my wife and children bring to my life. As God's Word says, "the fruit of the womb is a reward." Do not accept the lie of the world that children are a burden and hindrance to your happiness and embrace the truth of God's Word.
Proverbs 14:21 says,"He who despises his neighbor sins; But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he." One trait that God requires from every believer to have love mercy.(Micah 6:8) Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.(Matthew 5:7) Extreme happiness comes when you are able to show mercy towards others. May we never forget our sin when looking at the sin of others. Be merciful and happiness will follow.
Psalm 144:15b says, "Happy are the people whose God is the Lord." When the Lord Jesus is the head of your life, directing your steps, happiness will be found. As we walk with the Lord, He gives us a peace which surpasses all understanding(Phil. 4:7), He blesses us with His indescribable gift(II Cor. 9:15), and He promises to supply our every need(Phil. 4:19). What a wonderful Savior we have.
May you seek Him with your whole heart, there finding the happiness that will sustain your soul.
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