January 2009 Meditation: True Happiness
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
We all want 2009 to be a Happy New Year, but what does that really
mean? What does it mean to be happy? Oftentimes, we look for people,
things and circumstances to be our source of happiness, but God has a
better idea. Throughout His Word He shows us how to be happy.
1. True happiness comes because the God of Israel is our Lord.
Yes, happy are those who have it like this! Happy indeed are those whose God is the LORD.
Psa. 144:15, NLT
2. Trusting in the Lord brings us true happiness.
O LORD Almighty, happy are those who trust in you.
Psa. 84:12, NLT
3. Being forgiven makes us truly happy.
Happy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned.
Psa. 32:1, TEV
4. Obedience is a key to true happiness.
Happy
are people of integrity, who follow the law of the LORD. Happy are
those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts.
Psa. 119:1-2, NLT
5. Being in God’s presence brings fullness of joy.
You lead me in the path of life; I experience absolute joy in your presence; you always give me sheer delight.
Psa. 16:11, NET
6. God’s discipline causes us to be truly happy.
Happy are those whom you discipline, LORD, and those whom you teach from your law.
Psa. 94:12, NLT
7. Being respectful makes us truly happy.
Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
Prov. 28:14, NKJV
8. Finding wisdom and gaining understanding are a basis for true happiness.
Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding.
Prov. 3:13, NLT
9. Enduring temptation is a source of true happiness.
Happy
is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be
genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those
who love him.
James 1:12, NET
10. When we do God’s Word, we discover true happiness.
But
he who looks into the perfect law, the law that makes us free, and does
not turn away, remembers what he hears; he acts on it, and by so acting
he will find happiness.
James 1:25, REB
I
encourage you to do a study on the word “happy”. Actually, in the
scriptures the word “blessed” can be translated “happy”. In each of the
scriptures referenced this is so. Meditate and act on the verses cited
and you will find true happiness. This happiness is one that can never
be taken from you.
I pray 2009 is your HAPPIEST YEAR yet!!!
I am happy because my trust is in the Lord.
(Psalm 84:12)