Are You Happy?

Jim Ladd

Jesus taught that there is a profound, comprehensive blessing under the rule of God that He called “blessed” or “happy”. He taught in the sermon on the mount that this happiness can be found by walking a very clear pathway of spiritual development. You might call it the road less traveled. 

It is true that happiness is based on the circumstances, or happenings, around us. When your circumstances are good, you are happy. When they are difficult, you are unhappy. But Jesus describes a pathway to a happiness that cannot be stolen or destroyed, for it is anchored in circumstances crafted and secured by God Himself. 

The map is laid out for us in Matthew 5:3-12 in what are called, "The Beatitudes."  We talked about this Sunday, May 24, and you can watch or listen to it on our platforms here or here.

Only the Source of all blessing can lead us on the path to true happiness. Here is the map of that pathway which begins, counterintuitively, with three steps downward before climbing to new heights of happiness.

And what is true happiness? It is a happiness based upon the circumstances and rewards God provides through this pathway - through Christ Himself:

• We possess the Kingdom of Heaven and inherit the earth

• We are comforted and satisfied

• We receive mercy, we see God and we are called the sons and daughters of God

• Our heavenly reward is great as we are co-heirs with Jesus

All of these blessings belong together and they describe the reality for every Christian, because they are given to every Christian. Isn't that amazing?! These are given to you! As you continue forward in your life journey, be thinking about where your source of happiness comes from...and celebrate!