Happy are...

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

This scripture rests in my spirit from time to time.  The meaning of it comforts me when I get the notion to take life for granted or think time is on my side.

From this scripture, I find my thoughts dwelling on how people define happiness so differently.  The perception of being such is undergirded by an authentic or man-made reality.  But, perception, nonetheless, is often truth to those who are observers whether or not they know the origin.  So therein lies the lesson.  The experience of bona fide happiness comes from the inside and not the outside.  Popular belief would have us think it is just the opposite.  Things and people are external and finite. Hinging happiness upon them means that when they aren’t present, neither is happiness.  I like the quote attributed to William Author Ward, author and pastor, “Happiness is an inside job” because it exemplifies the truth that long lasting, sustainable joy comes from within us.  But, then the question arises, how does it get there?

To answer that, we can look to scripture.  Matthew chapter 5 tells of Jesus’ teaching to the disciples and the multitudes that followed Him to a high mountain.  Seeing their thirst for truth and spiritual teaching, Jesus shared with them what’s aptly named the ‘Beatitudes.’ The word blessed means happy in this teaching.

3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

One can see how the Lord’s definition of happy can cause those who are unbelievers to scratch their heads and wonder how being happy in meekness, mourning and persecution, etc. can be considered a positive thing.  But, believers accept those spiritual truths and much more because we recognize that it is not in external factors – people, money, things, popularity, etc. – that we are happy.  It is in the promises of God that we can trust and find peace, contentment and joy that fills our heart and mind no matter the situation or circumstance.   We have a dependable hope in help in times of despair, healing in times of brokenness, peace in times of conflict and joy in times of praise.  

Take the time to read God’s Word, dwell on His goodness and allow His promises to be your comfort so that you can experience the joy that comes from the inside.