Who doesn’t want to be happy? Why would anyone want to be miserable? But what is happiness and where can you find it? Happiness it defined in the dictionary as a state of being happy. People define it as a state feeling no need, pain or regret; it is harmony with everyone; it is doing what you love to do; it is being secure…free from fear; it is loving yourself and apologizing to nobody.
As a matter of fact, happiness is as elusive as anything can be. However the Bible has much to say about the subject.
The book of psalms has five chapters that start with the word “blessed.” Blessed is the word for “happiness.” Jesus used it over and over again in the Beatitudes. But listen to what the Psalmist has to say about the good life.
Psalm 1 begins, “Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.”
Psalm 32 states, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”
Psalm 41 says, “Blessed is he that considereth the poor”
Psalm 119 says, “Blessed are the undefiled…who walk in the law of the LORD.
These are five Bible directives on what you must do if you want to be happy.
Psalm 1 — Don’t mix with sinners. Obey God.
Psalm 21 — Get forgiveness.
Psalm 41 — Be compassionate to those who have nothing.
Psalm 119 — Let the Bible be your guide.
Psalm 128 — Fear God.
Psalm 1 tells you how to live a perfect life even though it’s too late because we have already sinned.
Psalm 32 gives us some good news—sin is not unpardonable because the past was cared for by the cross of Christ. Isaiah 1:18 reminds us, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” The prodigal can come home. The dying thief can go to Paradise. The proud for us he can meet God on the Damascus Road. David can pray after adultery and murder and be restored to “the joy of God's salvation.”
Psalm 41 admonishes us to consider the poor. Remember, before you were saved your life was all about you. Now your sights are set higher and you begin to live for others…the lost, the lonely, the defeated, the searching, and the person seeking joy in all the wrong places.
Psalm 119 indicates that the Bible is now more precious than fine gold. Thousands of nominal Christians ask God for salvation but the joy of the Lord escapes them because they do not delight in the law of the Lord, nor meditate on it day and night. We must read it. True happiness is only for them who walk in the law of the Lord. Christianity will be an endurance test without this. In fact you will starve to death spiritually. You will forget that you were purged from your old sins and you will have no song.
Look now at Psalm 128. “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.” Don’t be afraid of the word fear. Someone has said that the word “love” in the New Testament is essentially the same as the word “fear” in the Old Testament. Acknowledge the Lord. Reverence Him. Live in the light of His presence. Recognize that He is the giver of every good gift. Seek His favour. Delight yourself in Him. Trust in Him for guidance now and for His saving grace in eternity ahead.
Do you want to be happy? This is the prescription.
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” James 1:12
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