How happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways!
Joy and happiness are not the same thing. Joy is a state of mind based upon the character and trust of God. Happiness is an emotion. God does not promise that we will be happy but that we can have joy. That being said the Scripture still gives us a picture of what can help us to live a truly happy life.
True happiness can be achieve if we have the right perspective on God. It begins with fear. I know, it seems strange that we will find happiness in fear. That word fear in the Scripture has many nuances. It means reverence. It means awe. It also means fear. When we realize who God is it will bring about a fear (see Isaiah 6) that draws us to awe and reverence the one who loves us. We fear God when we realize who and what He is. With that proper perspective we walk in His ways. Guess what that does for us? You go it. We have the best shot at really living a good life that makes us happy.
Since God is God (which causes the fear) He knows what is best for us and what will really make our lives good. So fear Him. Listen to Him. Obey Him. And enjoy!
Psalms 128:1 (HCSB)
Joy and happiness are not the same thing. Joy is a state of mind based upon the character and trust of God. Happiness is an emotion. God does not promise that we will be happy but that we can have joy. That being said the Scripture still gives us a picture of what can help us to live a truly happy life.
True happiness can be achieve if we have the right perspective on God. It begins with fear. I know, it seems strange that we will find happiness in fear. That word fear in the Scripture has many nuances. It means reverence. It means awe. It also means fear. When we realize who God is it will bring about a fear (see Isaiah 6) that draws us to awe and reverence the one who loves us. We fear God when we realize who and what He is. With that proper perspective we walk in His ways. Guess what that does for us? You go it. We have the best shot at really living a good life that makes us happy.
Since God is God (which causes the fear) He knows what is best for us and what will really make our lives good. So fear Him. Listen to Him. Obey Him. And enjoy!
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