Happiness

Happiness

James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure.

Most sane people want to be happy. The problem with that is that most people define happiness in worldly terms rather than biblical terms. The world believes happiness comes from material possessions and worldly pleasures, but the Bible defines happiness in a much different way.

In the New Testament the word “happy” is translated from the Greek word, “makarios,” and most of the time that word is translated as “blessed.” Biblically speaking, to be happy is to be blessed. So, if you want to be happy the question you should be asking is, how can I receive the Lord’s blessings?

Peter says you’ll be happy when you suffer for righteousness’ sake. (1 Peter 3:14) He also says you’ll be happy when you’re reproached for the name of Christ. (1 Peter 4:14) James says happy people are the ones who endure trials, (James 5:11) and Jesus said happiness comes from obedience. (John 13:17)

Somehow, suffering, reproach, and obedience doesn’t sound much like the world’s idea of happiness. So how can the world’s definition of happiness and the Bible’s definition of happiness be so far apart? The answer is found in the fact that the world’s idea of happiness is temporary, and the Bible’s is eternal. Those who seek temporary happiness today may suffer eternal misery later, and those who suffer for righteousness’ sake, and are reproached for the name of Christ, and live a life of obedience now will inherit eternal happiness in the future.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit; Blessed are those who mourn; Blessed are the meek; Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; Blessed are the merciful; Blessed are the pure in heart; Blessed are the peacemakers; Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.” (Matthew 5:7-11) That’s Jesus’ idea of happiness. Don’t trade your eternal blessings for temporary happiness.

Have a God Filled Week,
Brother Donnie