Happy Is The Man

What makes you happy?

Perhaps a day away with friends, a fine meal, a good book, a new tune, or lying by the pool. There are many things in this life that we would say make us happy. My personal favorite is to have the house all to myself on a cold, rainy day with nothing to do but drink a pot of tea and read a good book.
Just the thought makes me happy...

As Christians there is something else that should make us happy- God says so in His Word! This one, however, we tend to use our selective forgetfulness on. It's His discipline of, and instruction to, us.

Lord, happy is the man You discipline 
   and teach from Your law
to give him relief from his troubles
   until a pit is dug for the wicked.
Psalm 94:12-13


If you notice, happiness comes as two-parter. The first is His discipline. Remember, He disciplines those He loves as a father does for a child He dearly loves (Proverbs 3:12). That is His part.

Second though is dependent on some action from us; To be taught from His law. His Word. In order for this to happen, you have to be in the Word, reading and meditating upon it. Then will He teach you from it. There is even a way for us to learn quickly in these situations. When we read the Bible on a daily basis we are hiding/treasuring His Word in out hearts so that we won't sin against Him (Psalm 119:11)- but if we do sin, the Spirit can bring it to mind more quickly.

When trials or discipline come, do your part. Get in the Word and humble yourself before God. Then - and I truly believe only then - will you experience happiness. He promised...relief from all his(our) troubles, until He settles the account with them on His own.

He promised. And you can take Him at His Word.