Happiness God's Way
jmichaelwalls
Psalm 1
Introduction: It is a basic human need to be happy. I cannot stand folks
who are always down and depressive. Abraham Lincoln said that folks are
about as happy as they want to be. Remember a few years back the song
that was popular "Don�t Worry, Be Happy".
I have a philosophy in my nursing that served me well. It is this. If I
can help my patients laugh or smile then just for those few moments they
forget that they are sick. I enjoy laughing with my folks at the nursing
home. I was doing blood sugars this week. One of my little ladies told me
goodbye and to behave myself (I did not realize she knew me that well). I
told her that she took all the fun out of my day. She laughed and I did
too.
Many people indulge themselves in many things to make themselves happy.
They are forever forgetting the author of true happiness. What is some of
the most common areas that people try to find happiness?
They try to find happiness in drinking. Proverbs 20:1
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived
thereby is not wise."
Proverbs 23:29-35
"Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling?
who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry
long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the
wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth
itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an
adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter
perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of
the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken
me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt
it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again."
I have never seen how drinking alcohol could bring anyone happiness. All
I have ever seen is the misery and woes that it brings. Drinking may seem
like fun but the aftereffects are a real killer at times. Finding
happiness in booze is like finding a friendly face in a rattlesnake pit.
It just does not happen.
2. They try to find happiness in drugs. This includes legal and illegal
drugs. They can both rob you of happiness. Legal drugs can rob you of
happiness when you abuse them. This is exactly what happened to Elvis.
His legally prescribed pills were abused.
3. They try to find happiness in doing their own thing or what feels
good. We know that this does not work but what feels good or my own thing
will change when my mood changes.
So what is happiness? Doctor Bob Jones, Sr. said it this way: "The way to
happiness is doing God�s will and you will stumble over
Happiness along the way."
Some may ask what has happiness have to do with this Psalm? The very
first word of this Psalm and in fact the book of Psalms is the word
"blessed". It means happy or happiness in the Hebrew. Keith Daniel, the
South African pastor, put it this way. "I have seen a lot of happy people
that were not blessed but I did not ever seen a really blessed person who
was not happy.
So today I want to give you seven thoughts on happiness God�s way as
found in this Psalm.
I. A HAPPY MAN�S PATH Vs. 1
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor
standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."
It is found in the three parts of this verse.
The Happy man has and gives proper advice.
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly"
We are a higher form of living. It is found in the pages of this blessed
old Book. Its wisdom is timeless. When you give godly advice, you are
walking in the path of the blessed man. When you are asked your opinion
on the subject and the person seems sincere, give him or her what God
says. After all, He created us and He knows what we need. He left us the
answers in the Bible. But you will have to study it to get the answers
needed.
Does you advice seem gloomily? If the person is not a Christian, your
advice will seem that way at times. It is because he or she cannot
understand your point of reference. 1 Corinthians 2:14
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for
they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are
spiritually discerned."
Charles Spurgeon says this about this portion of the passage is his
Treasury of David "He takes wiser counsel, and walks in the commandments
of the Lord his God. To him the ways of piety are paths of peace and
pleasantness. His footsteps are ordered by the Word of God, and not by
the cunning and wicked devices of carnal men. It is a rich sign of inward
grace when the outward walk is changed, and when ungodliness is put far
from our actions."
The happy man has right actions.
"Blessed is the man� nor standeth in the way of sinners"
Our actions are a reflection of our motivations in this life as
believers. Does our actions reflect us or do they reflect the Lord Jesus.
Our actions are a reflection of manner of life. It comes down to two
simple questions. Is our manner of life one that the Lord gives glory? Or
does we seem to want the glory? Peter gives us this admonition.
2 Peter 3:10-12
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which
the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall
melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein
shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved,
what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and
godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God,
wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements
shall melt with fervent heat?"
This also means that our company is of a choicer sort than it was.
Although a sinner himself, he is now a blood washed sinner, quickened by
the Holy Spirit, and renewed in heart. Standing by the rich grace of God
in the congregation of the righteous, he dares not herd with the
multitude that do evil.
Our actions also reflect our mission in life. Are we like the sinners
that are all around. We ask ourselves the hard questions. What is more
important? Is God�s will in this situation or our greedy wanting?
The happy man has a proper attitude.
"Blessed is the man� sitteth in the seat of the scornful."
What does Brother Spurgeon say on this portion? "He finds no rest in the
atheist's scoffings. Let others make a mock of sin, of eternity, of hell
and heaven, and of the Eternal God; this man has learned better
philosophy than that of the infidel, and has too much sense of God's
presence to endure to hear His name blasphemed. The seat of the scorner
may be very lofty, but it is very near to the gate of hell; let us flee
from it, for it shall soon be empty, and destruction shall swallow up the
man who sits therein."
One preacher put it this way: "What you will be in life is determined by
your attitude." How true that is!
When we backslide, we fall into the opposite of the happy man. We first
find ourselves walking in the counsel of the ungodly. Then it is easier
to stand like the sinners. But then we find ourselves sitting with those
who scorn the very God we love now. Let us stand on the happy man�s path
with the right advice, actions and attitudes.
II. A HAPPY MAN�S PLEASURE
Vs. 2
"But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he
meditate day and night."
Joshua 1:8
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way
prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
I remember one of the ladies in our church coming to church. Her brother
could not understand how she could base her whole life on one book when
there are many kinds of books in this world. Let me give several reasons
why you can base your life on this one book. The real reason why you can
base you entire life on this book because it is God�s Word. It is the
very words the Lord wanted man to have. What is God�s word? God�s Word is
the way of life to keep me pure. It is my song to keep me going. It is
the knowledge to make me believe. It�s a standard to make me disciplined.
The Bible is the hope to make me sure. Its laws make me wise. It is the
food to make me strong. Now I have a path to help me see. It is my
heritage to bring me joy. Its light brings me understanding. It has
promised to bring me deliverance.
Why should I read and memorize God�s Word. It contains the mind of God,
the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the
happiness of believers. Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved,
Practice it to be holy. It is the traveler's way, the pilot's compass,
the soldier�s sword and the Christian's charter.
It is more than reading that a happy man has for his pleasure in the Word
of God. He mediates upon it. Bartholomew Ashwood said this: "Meditation
chews the cud, and gets the sweetness and nutritive virtue of the Word
into the heart and life: this is the way the godly bring forth much
fruit."
A HAPPY MAN�S POSITION
Vs. 3a
"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water"
What is this position? Rather I should ask why do we have this position?
I think you could sum it up in these thoughts.
I am in this position because I have a new family.
John 1:12-13
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of
blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."
What kind of family is it? It is a saved family. It is greater to have a
large family. I was blessed with four brothers and two sisters. But they
do not always want to have a lot to do with me at times. Part of the rest
is that some of them are not saved. But I have a lot of brothers and
sisters in Christ. Some of the friendships I have made over the years are
deeper in some ways than my own flesh and blood because of the blood of
Christ has made me part of the family of God. Remember the words of the
chorus of the song "Family of God".
I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod
For I'm part of the family, the family of God.
Not only is it a saved family, it is a secured family. The blood of
Christ secures me. The promises of God secure me. The Holy Spirit seals
me. These give me my security.
I am in a saved family and a secure family but I am also in a safe
family. I am safe from the penalty of hell. I am safe in the storms of
life. I am safe in the onslaught of the devil.
I am in this position because of my new foundation.
Matthew 7:24-27
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I
will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And
the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat
upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And
every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall
be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And
the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat
upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
My foundation is Christ and not the sandy soil of the world. He is a sure
foundation.
I am in this position because of my future.
John 14:1-3
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have
told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a
place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where
I am, there ye may be also."
It is so much better than the future I once had. I traded hell for heaven
with my position in Christ. I traded helplessness for a Helper- the Holy
Spirit. My future is better because of the Person of Jesus Christ who is
my life and position.
A HAPPY MAN�S PRODUCTIVITY
Vs. 3b
"that bringeth forth his fruit in his season"
Psalm 126:5-6
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and
weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with
rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
Charles Spurgeon says this: "But the man who delights in God's Word,
being taught by it, bringeth forth patience in the time of suffering,
faith in the day of trial, and holy joy in the hour of prosperity.
Fruitfulness is an essential quality of a gracious man, and that
fruitfulness should be seasonable."
How can you bring forth fruit? It is the same way, as you would do crops.
You work.
John 9:4
"I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night
cometh, when no man can work."
1 Corinthians 15:58
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour
is not in vain in the Lord."
Nothing of any value is worth much without work. This includes the work
of the Lord. The work of the Lord is real work. Some people may disagree
but preaching is work. Witnessing is work. Praying is work. We must do
the work of Him that sent us.
Not only do you have to work you have to water. You water the work with
the tears for your labor. You water it with the Word of God.
Not only do you work and water you have to watch. There is an enemy who
wants to ruin your work. So you have to be watchful. 2 Timothy 4:5
"But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."
V. A HAPPY MAN�S PROGRESSION
Vs. 3c
"his leaf also shall not wither"
If your leaf does not wither, then you will have to be progressive. Let
me give you two ways to progress in Christ.
A. Look ahead Philippians 3:13-14
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I
do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto
those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
You make no progress looking backward. You can not look at your past
victories. They will not make you strong.
You must not look at your past sins. They have been washed away by the
blood of Christ if you asked for forgiveness. You will be trying to dig
up something that God has chosen to forget them. So why shouldn�t you?
You should be looking at your past failures. They may help you in your
growth in Christ but they are not to dwelled upon. They are past.
We must look ahead. Why?
You will be looking at Jesus.
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy
that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is
set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
He has done so much for us. When you go forward, that is progress. What
areas do we see when we are looking unto Jesus?
1. We look at His sufferings. The stripes, slaps, spitting, separation
and surrender to death is just a part of His suffering.
2. We look at His soon coming. The songwriter puts it better than I do.
Let me recite a few lines.
It Will be Worth it All When We See Jesus
Ofttimes the day seems long,
Our trials hard to bear;
We�re tempted to complain,
To murmur and despair.
But Christ will soon appear
To catch His bride away;
All tears forever over,
In God�s eternal day.
Chorus:
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus;
Life�s trials will seem so small when we see Christ.
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
When we get discouraged, it is time to look ahead to Jesus and see He is
coming soon.
VI. A HAPPY MAN�S PROSPERITY
Vs. 3
"and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
The health and wealth prosperity preachers use this verse to try to prove
their point. It is not God�s will that every believer be healthy and
wealthy. If you get to their real motive, you will find them trying to
get you send them money. It might be so that they can be wealthy.
We know this not true. If you want true prosperity, you have to research
it out in the Word of God. Time does not permit to go in greater detail
but let�s see what God says.
Joshua 1:8
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way
prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
That means that the prosperity and success is dealing with the Word of
God and the Word of God is dealing with the inward man much more than the
outward man. If wealth had anything to do with being godly, then Lazarus
was a miserable failure and the wrong fellow went to hell.
Seven quick thoughts about true Bible success that can be seen. Bible
Success is�
Surrendering totally to the Lord Jesus
Unmovable in your faith in the Lord Jesus
Communicating often with the Lord Jesus
Concentrate on His will
Exalt His Name in your life
Saturate your heart and mind with His Word
Stay in the battle
That is true Bible Success. That is true prosperity. It is when you
desire from the inward man to do what is right.
VII. A HAPPY MAN�S PEACE
Vs. 6
"For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the
ungodly shall perish."
It is found in the fact that the Lord knoweth. We can have peace. We have
peace with God when the Lord Jesus saved us. Romans 5:1
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ"
But the peace of God is little harder to enjoy. We are like the little
child that was afraid at night during the storm. Her mother tried to
comfort her with the thought that the Lord was with her. She told her
mother that she knew that but she wanted someone with flesh and blood to
be with her.
Philippians 4:7
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
To help us understand the peace of God, we should remember that the Lord
knows our frames. He knows our frailty. He knows our failures. We are not
the first to have problems. He also knows the future. He is going to be
with us all the way. He knows the future. The songwriter said to fear no
tomorrow, God is already there. When we look in our Bibles, the future is
bright with the hope that today could be the day that the Lord comes
church.
Conclusion: Are you happy? Or should I say blessed? There is two basic
reasons why you may not be. Both of them similar but both are different.
One reason why you don�t have true Bible happiness is that you are not
right with God. I mean that your heart and life has not been changed by
the power of God unto salvation. Outside the Lord Jesus is no true
happiness. You try to find it in all the wrong places. Come to Jesus.
Matthew 11:29
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest."
Leave your heavy burdens at the cross and go free. Today you could find
true happiness. Don�t delay do it today.
The second reason is that you do not have happiness is that you are not
right with God as a child of God. There is sin in your life and you can
not expect to be truly happy while it is in your life and stays
unconfessed. 1 John 1:9
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Once again, I admonish you to do this confession today because today may
be the day that the Lord comes again for the church.
Pastor Mike Walls
Freedom Baptist Church Smithfield, NC
http://freedombaptistchurchnc.wordpress.com/
http://iglesiabautistalibertad.wordpress.com/