What is the Source Of Happiness? (1/2)
The source of Happiness is clearly revealed in the Bible. The Scripture points us to mainly 7 ways from which a believer can derive his/ her happiness. Let’s take a look:
Presence of God is a Source of Happiness
In the Presence of God there is fullness of joy. Psalms 16:11. At His right hand there are pleasures forevermore as well. Jesus said, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28. No matter what big burden or problem we may have, all we need to do is — go to God’s presence and pour out our heart before Him. By unloading our burdens before God, He fills us with happiness.
The Lord makes us a house of prayer, full of joy and gladness. Sadly, many come to God only for their selfish needs and once that is fulfilled they forget God. But King David says, I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord! Psalms 122:1. We belong to the Lord. We, the church/body of Christ are His. 1 Corinthians 6:19. The house of God during the time of Jesus, was made into a den of thieves by the Jews themselves. Instead of prayer and praising filling up the place, they were busy doing business in God’s house. Jesus had to clean up the place using a whip. Mathew 21:13. So for a believer, his/her happiness comes from the Presence of God.
Word of God Is A Source Of Happiness
The Word of God certainly brings happiness in the life of a believer. See what prophet Jeremiah says when he found the Word of God — Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16. We must be people who exercise the Word of God, that is, people practicing His Word and not just hearing only. James 1:22. Being doers of the Word.
Doing the Word means setting the Lord always before us. Such people will never be moved by any given circumstance. I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. Psalms 16:8-9. Every Word of God has life in it, and that life is a reason of rejoicing and happiness for those who are exercised thereby. Mathew 4:4.
Anointing of the Holy Spirit
Another important aspect, from which a believer derives his/her happiness is through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. In other words, when we surrender ourselves for the Holy Spirit to do His work within us, He lifts off all our burdens and fills us with joy and happiness. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:17.
When the Lord fills a person with His anointing, he begins to speak in an unknown or strange language, a language that is specially given to him by God. And by speaking that unknown tongue, we are filled with rest in His presence. For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. Isaiah 28:11-12. Only the joy of the Holy Spirit bubbling within St.Paul could make him write — Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4. When he was writing this letter to the Philippians, St.Paul was in the prison.
(... to be continued)