"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly . . . but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night."
Psalm 1:1-2
A high school teacher asked a student in class what he wanted out of life. The student answered, "Happiness. I just want to be happy." The teacher said to him, "I want you to write a term paper on that subject." Then he said to the class, "I want each one of you to write a term paper answering the same question." That was many years ago. I was that student. No teacher in my school days ever asked me a more important question. The Constitution of the USA speaks of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Who among us would not want to find happiness in life?
The word blessed comes from a Hebrew word that includes the idea of well-being and happiness. It is a covenant term which is opposite the word cursed, or cut off from the blessings of God. God works through His everlasting covenant to bless all people who trust Him (Hebrews 13:20-21). The word LORD is the covenant name for God. Those who trust in the name of the LORD seek to understand His word and live according to His will. They reject the counsel of the ungodly for the truth of God's covenant word that we read in the Bible. Blessing and happiness is found in a covenant relationship with God as we trust and obey.
Can you say that you are happy? What about your relationship with God? The two are connected. Blessing and happiness are a result of a personal relationship with God. That doesn't mean that we will not be tried and tested. It doesn't mean that we will not face problems and difficulties. It does mean that we have assurance that God is with us, and He is working through us with the fruit of love, joy and peace. Even when we fail Him and go astray, He provides covenant mercy to forgive us, as we confess our sins and find help in all our needs at His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Finding real happiness is finding a personal relationship with God.
Prayer: Father, we trust Your covenant word of promise to forgive our sins and to work in our lives for Your glory and our good. We receive the blessing of knowing You through Jesus Christ. Amen.
