I THINK MYSELF HAPPY

I have taught for many years that happiness is a state of mind, whereas joy is a spiritual force.  And, even though joy is a significant and important component in our spiritual lives, we must not overlook the value of maintaining a happy state of mind. 

In examining the subject, our society has a much different perspective of what makes one happy as compared to what the Bible teaches.

A simple word study in the original languages (Hebrew & Greek) reveals some interesting definitions to the words often translated as “happy.”  According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, the Hebrew provides the following insights:  blessed, tranquil, secure, successful, prosper, to be in safety.  The Greek adds these shades of meaning:  supremely blessed, fortunate, well off.

Therefore, to be happy carries with it the connotation that one has a strong sense of safety and security along with being supremely blessed in every area of life.  The Amplified Translation consistently defines “blessed” as happy, fortunate, to be envied.

Scripturally, there are several ways or areas where we can find happiness in our lives.  Let’s take a moment to examine them.

First of all, happiness can be simply found by partaking of or providing a heritage for one’s family in the fear of the Lord. 

Psalm 127:3-5 - Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.  As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of thy youth.  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them… 

Psalm 128:1-4 - Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.  For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.  Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.  Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. 

In addition to a family heritage, happiness is a by-product of walking in wisdom and understanding. 

Proverbs 3:13,16-18 - Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.  Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.  Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.  She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. 

If we want happiness, wisdom and understanding are excellent ways to get it. 

Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom.  And in all your getting, get understanding. 

How does one obtain these things?  We can’t go to the store and buy them. 

James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 

Of course, the Word of God is filled with wisdom and understanding if we’ll take the time to study it.  However, these things can also come by prayer.  We have not because we ask not  (James 4:2). 

Ephesians 1:15-18 - Therefore I…do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling… 

2 Chronicles 9:7 - Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom. 

For those in leadership, the more a leader walks in wisdom, the more blessed are those who are called alongside to help him.  They are blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) simply by being around the wisdom that proceeds from those in a godly position of authority. 

Proverbs 16:20 - He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. 

There is wisdom in trusting God.  Trusting God brings happiness and blessing.  Trust is a word often used in defining faith.  Walking in faith is another way to find true happiness. 

Romans 10:17…faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. 

Time and space does not permit us to examine faith thoroughly, but I will say that the simple act of building our faith through the Word of God will automatically help build happiness into our lives.  Again, the more time we spend in the Word, the happier we are – more secure, more prosperous, more peaceful, and supremely blessed.

Another thing that brings happiness is simply feeling good about doing something worthwhile. 

Proverbs 14:21 - He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. 

Our local church is involved in grocery relief program called Angel Food Ministries.  Even though it takes nearly the entire congregation to get the job done each month, it brings such happiness to everyone.  We are never so happy as on “Angel Food Day” when hundreds of local families file through the doors of our church to receive their portion.  It really is a beautiful thing. 

Proverbs 29:18 - Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. 

There is a sense of accomplishment when we know we’re doing the right thing.  In the above Scripture, isn’t it interesting that “keeping the law” and being “happy” are coupled together with “vision”?

There is a sense of purpose in following a plan – specifically, the plan of God.  When we know we are in the right place at the right time doing the right thing with the right people, there is a strong sense of fulfillment.  Regardless of the circumstances, we can happily endure much hardness if we know we have a purpose.

Psalm 144:15 - …happy is that people, whose God is the LORD. 

By worldly standards, the Israelites (Jews) are undoubtedly the most despised people on the face of the earth.  Why is that?

They are envied because they are blessed.  God prospers whatever they do.  No matter how bleak their situation, they just keep surviving and thriving – glorifying God in the process.

In the midst of all their trials, persecutions and suffering we find singing and dancing – displays of happiness.  They are happy under the most desperate of circumstances. 

Psalm 146:5 - Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: 

The Jews possess an eternal expectation of blessing because their God is the Lord.  If they can maintain happiness in the bleakest of situations, what does that say for us?

Which brings us to the most intriguing of our points:  being happy in the midst of affliction, persecution, and the witness thereof.

The Apostle Paul is an excellent example.  He sets the standard for being happy regardless of his circumstances.

In the 25^th chapter of Acts we find Paul’s missionary journeys coming to an abrupt end at Jerusalem.  To avoid death, as a Roman citizen, Paul appeals to Caesar.

Paul, subsequently taken by heavily armed guards to Caesarea, was sent to appear before Governor Felix.  After hearing his case, Felix left him in prison for two years for fear of the Jews (still within the borders of his own country).  When Festus replaced Felix, Paul was once again given an opportunity to speak before being sent to Rome.  This time it was before King Agrippa: 

Acts 26:2 - I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews. 

There are lot of things Paul could have said in that moment.  But even though Paul was under intense scrutiny, he was able to find good in the matter.  He had a sense of destiny with a knowing that only God could have brought him to this place.  He did not focus on the conditions of his captivity, but rather spoke of the happiness in his heart for the opportunity to speak before the king.

To some, it may have looked like Paul was not living a “victorious Christian life.”  But, I beg to differ.  He had purpose and vision.  He was happy.

It is important that we keep our thoughts focused on the vision of our hearts.  If we magnify adverse circumstances, we will slip right into the muck and mire of it all.  But, if we stay focused on the plan, we can be happy regardless and God will get the glory for it. 

James 5:7-8,11 - Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh…Behold, we count them happy which endure… 

As the coming of the Lord draws near, today’s believers qualify as ones enduring to the end of all things – along with Jesus, anticipating the harvest of the precious fruit of the earth.  Not just waiting, but working – following the plan, laboring in the harvest. 

1 Peter 4:14 - If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 

Again, it’s important to maintain the proper focus in every situation.  Steadfastly gaze upon the vision, the plan, and/or the purpose.  We must never lose sight of our destiny.  If we find ourselves in the midst of adverse circumstances, we must not magnify them.  But rather, know God’s glory rests upon us. 

I think myself happy!