Focus: Divine Happiness (Pt.1)

Text: Ps.144:15

"Happy is that people, whose God is the LORD."

Happiness is a big word in our world. Everyone wants to be happy, and we do a lot to making ourselves happy. A lot of us see happiness as a commodity that one can buy from the stores for one's own happiness. But there are others who believe that happiness is a choice. Anyone can choose to be happy, regardless of life's conditions and challenges. We live in a world of so much sadness and so little gladness. Jeremiah and Paul talk about "fear on every side." We long to be glad, but then, things that make us sad keep showing up or coming into our lives.

In Scripture, happiness and holiness are connected. In the Garden of Eden, God provided everything needed for man's happiness, but the moment Adam sinned against God, happiness took the exit door out. Indeed, there is a happiness that sin brings. The Bible calls it "the pleasures of sin," and it says that they last only for a season. They are passing pleasures, not lasting ones. True happiness cannot be at home in a place where God is not at home. A French proverb has it that 'God often visits, but we are never at home to welcome or receive Him.' 

Can anyone be truly happy in this world without God?

The Word of God has given us a lesson on happiness. The starting point of happiness is acknowledging and choosing God. Our text says, "Happy is that people, whose God is the LORD." Paul says, "For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve" (Act.27:23). Those who have God in their lives will always enjoy angelic visitations and ministrations. God makes happiness possible in our hearts. His presence makes happiness possible. The psalmist tells us that fullness of joy is found in God's presence, and at His right hand we experience eternal pleasures. In other words, God's presence is our paradise. In Christ Eden is realized.

Beyond possessing God is trusting Him. Trusting God is the secret of happiness. In Proverbs, we read that "whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he" (Prov.16:20). Trust in God is the bedrock of happiness. Trusting God means leaning, relying and resting on Him. Moses exclaims, "Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places" (Dt.33:29). Powerful, isn't it? 

God saves, secures, and beautifies His people. He makes them ride on high grounds. He proves their enemies wrong and shows them to be liars. He makes them stand out from others.

God is the source and supplier of real happiness. Christ is our life, peace and hope. Happiness does not depend on things or favorable conditions, but on God. In Christ we experience "the joy of the Holy Spirit."

by Bishop Moses E. Peter