HAPPY PEOPLE ALLOW THE LORD TO BE THEIR GOD

The road to genuine happiness begins with faith that God is here. No unbeliever can rejoicefully say, “Thank God I am an unbeliever.” “Happy are the people whose God is their Lord!” (Ps 144:15).

It’s true. “Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God” (Psalm 146:5). “... whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he” (Proverbs 16:20). When God is our Lord, we have laid the foundation for true happiness. It is for this reason that the materialist never reaches for that which he or she strives. Someone once said, “Be poor and sleep well or be rich and sleepless.” If we make riches from other gods, it will not bring the serendipity of a good night’s rest. If God is our Lord, we will have the peace of mind that passes all understanding. Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6 – 7). Those who trust in God have whom they can go for help. Just to know that all things works together for good brings an unexplainable sense of tranquility. And this we know: “... we know that all things work together for good to those who love God ...” (Romans 8:28). Only those who truly believe in God can reap the emotional peace of mind that comes from statements as Jesus to His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled, just believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1). Believers can come to Jesus for peace of mind. They will answer His plea. “Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthews 11:28, 29).

Happy people believe in God. They are thus obedient to His will. Their obedience brings peace of mind. And in peace of mind there is true happiness. Solomon was right. “... happy is he who keeps the law” (Proverbs 29:18). It is as Jesus said. “Happy are they that hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). It is true, therefore, that the happiest people in the world are those people who believe in God and submit to His will. Their happiness is found on what is yet to come, not what is only in this life. If you would be happy in the truest sense, you must focus on God and what He has prepared for those who love Him. And what He has prepared for the righteous is an eternal home of glory in His presence. This is the hope and happiness of the righteous. Always remember these words: The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26).

Philippians 3:1 "Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you." This is not the first time in the letter that the apostle has referred to rejoicing. Back in the second chapter and the eighteenth verse Paul has already told them to "be glad and rejoice with me.""Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).

What blessing come from a rejoicing family, it makes a believers more attractive. Let your light of joy shine before me. Here is a group of people whose one joy is in the Lord who came, and died and lives and reigns. We are sustained by his joy. Of its fullness we daily receive, and that is our strength.