God’s Word to the World (7)

Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him. Psalm 2.12  

Ah, happiness!
These days happiness is an elusive commodity. People pursue it in various ways. Many shake free of what they regard as the constraints (bonds and cords) of religion, and set out to establish themselves as lords and masters, hoping to discover a path toward a dream or ideal condition which is for them the embodiment of happiness.

But as is frequently reported in studies and editorials and advice columns and talk shows and bio-dramas, happiness, real lasting happiness, is hard to come by, and difficult to retain.

People today don’t have a very clear idea about happiness. Ask them what the good life looks like for them, and they’ll start defining it in terms of material things, comfortable surroundings, and sensual pleasures. The more they experience these as the happiness they seek, however, the less appealing they become. The less it seems that these things or pleasures will provide the happiness they feel they really want, the more they cast about for some new arrangement of the same.

But happiness is deeper than things or experiences. It is a sense, deep in one’s soul, that regardless of circumstances or outward conditions of life, everything is OK. It’s all good, come what may.

Most people realize that the promise of happiness – the perpetual realization of that sense of overall wellbeing and contentment – is a kind of crap shoot. Hence the bumper sticker, “Life’s a bitch, then you die.” Happiness seems to slip away just about the time we think we’ve attained it. And this is because, as I’ve said, most people look to things and experiences to bring them happiness. But happiness, being inward and, yes, even spiritual, cannot be satisfied by temporal means.

The promise of happiness
What God’s Word to the world promises, nevertheless, is just this – happiness. The Hebrew word, ashré – here translated blessed – means something like “completely happy, fulfilled, content, and at peace.” This is what awaits those who hear and heed the message of the King and His Kingdom, the Savior Who commands all men everywhere to repent, fear and love Him, believe the Good News of the Kingdom, and be born again by grace through faith. All who trust in King Jesus, who take refuge in Him against the fears, uncertainties, and vain raging of an age in flight from God – all who thus come to Jesus will know the blessing – the happiness – they seek within their souls.

They will know true joy and rejoicing in their heart, and not their circumstance, as all who have come to know Jesus can testify out of their own experience (cf. Ps. 107).

Why are Christians the most selfless and generous of all peoples? Why have they, historically, been able to sustain long and successful marriages, to give themselves for the needs of others, and to know joy even in the midst of adversity? It’s because they are blessed in Jesus and not just in circumstances or things. They know joy and rejoicing by being in the presence of Jesus, dwelling within His Kingdom, enjoying His companionship, and following and serving Him according to His commands.

The Christian’s happiness is confirmation both of what people hope for in their own souls – that real happiness does exist – and of what God declares in His Word to the world.

The happiness God offers to all who take refuge in Jesus Christ is neither conditional nor temporary. It is permanent, eternal, and unfailing because it is lodged in the eternal Person, illimitable power, and unchanging love of the King of Glory. In Him, within His Kingdom, living as His worshipers and servants in fear of Him and love for Him, men and women come to know true and lasting happiness. And it’s a happiness that increases without changing as one’s relationship with Jesus becomes more consistent and comprehensive of every area of life.

Indeed, it is more than happiness; it is joy.

God’s Word to the world
This is God’s Word to a world in rebellion against Him. The world is falling apart; its centers are losing their integrity and allure. The worst people in the world seem to have the most conviction and so work the hardest to further their self-serving and often violent ends. Meanwhile, the best have become too complacent or distracted even to care. What rough beast awaits those who rage against God and pursue lives of vanity?

Jesus is the hope of the world. His Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit is the only safe refuge from ultimate corruption and despair. And we, citizens and ambassadors of His realm, called to let the Word of God dwell in us richly (Col. 3.16), are commissioned to take God’s Word to the world so that whosoever believes in and obeys Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (Jn. 3.16).

The world will not fail to continue its vain raging. Let us not fail in our high and holy calling to take God’s Word of Christ and His Kingdom to the world we inhabit each day.

For reflection
1.  Do you agree that hope is an elusive commodity? The people in your life sphere (2 Cor. 10.13-18) – are they mostly hopeful or unhopeful? Explain.

2.  How do you respond to the definition of “happiness” presented here? Do you agree that such happiness, consistent and growing, is only available in Jesus? Why or why not?

3.  What is God’s Word to the world?

Next steps – Preparation: In what ways might your church better prepare you to be a citizen and ambassador of the Kingdom of God? What can you do to help in this matter?

T. M. Moore

Let us help you take God’s Word to your world. Our booklet, Joy to Your World!,shows why Jesus is the great Good News of Christmas. It’s the perfect stocking-stuffer for friends and coworkers. Order your copies by clicking here.

This week’s study is Part 9 of a series on The Word of God, and is available as a free download by clicking here.

The key to understanding the Bible is to see Jesus in all its parts, as centerpiece and fulfillment of God’s covenant and promises. Our workbook, God’s Covenant, takes you through the entire Bible, following the development of themes related to God’s covenant, and consummated in Jesus Christ. Here’s an effective tool for helping you read the Bible through God’s eyes. Order your copy by clicking here.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.