Are you happy? A recent study showed that Americans are less happy than ever. Only around 15% described themselves as happy, down from around 30% a couple of years ago. So even when the economy was great and we weren’t navigating the throws of 2020, 70% of Americans were unhappy. What’s the deal? When the Bible talks about happiness it doesn’t start with the things we tend to measure happiness by—money, power, possessions, comfort, approval of others. The Bible is much more simple than that.

Psalm 128:1 says: Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord and walks in his ways. That word “blessed” could also be translated happy — a deeper, more full, joyful, abiding happiness. The key to happiness? “Fear the Lord and walk in his ways.” Don’t let that word fear scare you. It’s not a run and hide kind of fear. It’s a reverent dependent fear. To fear the Lord simply means to take him seriously. And to “walk in his ways” is to live according to God, in reflection and response to Him and his Word. The key to happiness, according to what many of us believe to be God’s Word, is to take God seriously and live according to Him.

Psalm 128 was originally a song that was sang by God’s people on their way to worship. Imagine that, singing on the way to a place of worship. You know who generally sings a lot? Happy people. Songs are the poetry of our heart, put to music. I was trying to think of a more modern song that carried the message of Psalm 128. Not exactly modern, but I thought of the song ‘Trust and Obey’ that was penned in the 1800’s. The chorus says:

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Simple right? That’s essentially the message of Psalm 128. Fear the Lord and walk in his ways = trust and obey. Notice the lyrics “happy in Jesus.” That’s it! That’s what we need!

Here’s a few more lyrics from the song. And if you know the tune to this I hope it gets stuck in your head ALL. DAY. LONG 😎

🎶Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,

But His smile quickly drives it away;

Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,

Can abide while we trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey🎶

Let me leave you with this thought—What if happiness isn’t something we accomplish or discover but rather something that is revealed to us by God, and God alone? True happiness is found in a deep relationship with God by faith in Jesus Christ. Happiness is more abiding than fleeting. It’s found more in the unseen, than the seen. It’s more eternal than temporal. Happiness is a person—his name is Jesus Christ. We won’t be happy apart from him.

Imagine a life of simple trust and obedience. Think of the glorious implications. How would your life look different, today and in the future if you resolved to trust and obey and live happy in Him?

#LookUp #TrustAndObey #OneDayAtATime