A few years ago there was a silly song that became quite popular. It was entitled "Don't Worry, Be Happy". It didn't say much other than repeating that phrase over and over. If all it took to 'Be Happy' was to just say it over and over, we would have a world full of people who were happy all the time! But, as you know, there is more to happiness than that. The Bible word for happy is 'blessed'. David describes for us the man who is blessed or happy.
(Psa 1:1-3) "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. {2} But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. {3} 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."
The apostle Paul tells us that God is the source of our blessings or happiness, and that He has blessed us in many ways. [2]
(Eph 1:3) "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"
Think with me today of just a few of those blessings.
A. The Blessing of Forgiveness
(Psa 32:1) "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered."
1. This is the beginning of happiness or blessedness.
2. God has forgiven us our sins through Jesus Christ.
3. If this doesn't cause us to rejoice and be happy, I don't know what would.
4. To know that our sins are forgiven, our relationship with God is right, and our future is secure in heaven with the Lord; brings us happiness.
B. The Blessing of Satisfaction
(Psa 65:4) "Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple."
1. There is true happiness in the satisfaction that comes from God.
2. In fact, the reason so many are not happy today is that they are not satisfied with their life.
3. But there is no satisfaction in what this world has to offer…only Jesus can satisfy our soul.
4. Paul writes of the 'peace of God which passeth all understanding' and it comes as a result of knowing the One who can 'supply all your need according to His riches in glory'.
C. The Blessing of Obedience
(Psa 128:1) "Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways."
1. 'Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey'
2. Godly fear is not terror in our hearts, it is having proper reverence for God and being obedient to His leadership.
3. There is no happiness to be found apart from the will of God as revealed to us through His Word.
(Psa 119:2) "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart."
4. God blesses us when we faithfully 'keep his testimonies'.
D. The Blessing of Trusting God
(Psa 34:8) "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."
1. If we would just trust Him, He would shower us with blessings.
2. So many are afraid to let go of what we can see in order to take hold of what we cannot see…
3. But there is a blessing in store for those who will trust God…by faith.
Are we happy today? The source of happiness is the Lord. He longs to bless our lives if we will just allow Him to do so. There is so much happiness for the believer in Christ…
What about you today? Do you know the blessing of His forgiveness? Are you satisfied in Christ today? Are we enjoying His blessings through our obedience to His Word? Are we trusting Him every day? Be happy today…in Christ!