Good morning. For our adult Wednesday evening study/discussion we have been using Max Lucado’s book, “How Happiness Happens”. It has been a meaningful and enjoyable study, and the subject, the pursuit of happiness, is one that we can all relate to.
In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he quotes Psalm 32:1 with a statement about happiness: Blessed (happy or joyful) is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
The Hebrew word asrie is often translated as “blessed” but happy and/or joyful is thought to be more correct.
The more complete passage in Romans that I refer to is this: Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: “Blessed (happy or joyful) are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered;” Romans 4:4-7
The passage begins by reminding us that the blessing is not one that we work for, or deserve, it is God’s free gift (grace). It comes to us through our faith in Jesus Christ and through Him our faith is “counted as righteousness”. Does that truth make you happy today?
How happy and joyful would you be if you found yourself in the ocean out of sight of land? By the way, you don’t have a boat, you are swimming. By ocean standards you are very close to land, only about 8 miles away. The truth: 8 miles, or 80, or 800 the result would be the same, you’re not going to make it. If the question is your level of happiness in that moment the answer is easy, not at all. Terrified, yes. Heartbroken, probably. Happy, no way.
But Jesus is suddenly there at your side, lifting you into His arms, saving you from your fate. Did your rescue depend on your ability to swim? Thankfully, no. It all comes down to Jesus, His presence, His love, His ability to save.
Paul says to the Romans and to us, that this certainty of salvation, not by our own efforts but through His sacrifice, should be reason for great happiness, joy, and thanksgiving for His blessing.
Be happy today in the salvation God has provided to you through His love and grace.
Vern