IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT!

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom (God’s) and the man who obtains discernment (from God).  For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her produce better than fine gold. 

Proverbs 3:13-14

Many years ago, I found myself in a very unhappy and discontented state of mind.  I was not where I wanted to be and had no idea where I was going.  Have you ever been there?  In desperation and curiosity, I decided to search the Bible to find God’s conditions of happiness/blessedness.  The standard dictionary definition of “enjoying oneself, having pleasure, joy, contentment, good fortune, being merry, cheerful, in good humor, smiling” just did not cut it with me!  Here are a few of the verses dealing with blessedness or happiness that I found.

-     Psalm 1:1-2 “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers, BUT his delight is in the law of Yahweh, and in His law he meditates day and night.”

-     Psalm 32:1-2 “How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!  How blessed is the man whose iniquity Yahweh will not take into account.” 

-     Luke 11:28 “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it.”

-     John 20:29 “Blessed are those who did not see (Me, Jesus), and yet believed.”

-     1 Peter 4:14 “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed.” 

-     Revelation 19:9 “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

This study changed my entire outlook and attitude years ago and still does when I remember it!  God truly wants you to be happy but only on His terms.  It is not a hopeless pursuit!  If YOU are happy and YOU know it, say “Amen!”

Bob Kulp