02 26 08 Happiness in Holiness
“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
(Psalm 37:4 NIV)

Don’t worry, be happy! As I think back to this popular song and expression, I can’t help but think how many people have been deceived by this notion within the church. Get to know Jesus and you’ll be happy for life; get all you ever wanted; cars, clothes homes, jobs and on and on. What deception…what lies!

God never promised happiness in this life. In fact, Jesus told us that we would have troubles in this world. He warned us that just as He was rejected and ridiculed, the more we follow Him, the more we will be subject to ridicule, rejection, and possibly even persecution. Why think anything else? A follower of Jesus Christ is at odds with this world! Just look around.

To be politically correct, we have to tolerate one form of sin after another: cheating at work, white collar crime, homosexual agendas, same sex marriage, coarse joking, drunken office parties, and more. Speak out against things and we are subject to ridicule, jokes, even possible firing. Not always a happy situation.

As Christian parents, we face many unpopular decisions regarding our children’s dress, activities, and plans. We will not always be popular, even with our children. They won’t always understand our decisions. Our children too face pressures within the schools, neighborhoods, and the church. Even the Pastor must choose whether to preach the whole TRUTH or what the people want to hear. We are constantly faced with decisions: do I choose happiness or holiness?

As we follow Christ and commit to His ways, our heart’s desires are changed to His desires. The more we choose Christ, the holier we become and the happier we are within our very heart and soul. It’s not the world’s happiness for sure, but it’s the soul-deep satisfaction of pleasing God and receiving His blessing one day; even that day when we see Him for eternity! To have life more abundantly is to have life in Christ…..eternal life, not earthly blessings.

We may indeed receive His favor here on earth. Bless God! But if we suffer ridicule, if we face hatred in one form or another because of our love for the Savior, know that one day we will indeed receive blessings and treasures in heaven that the world cannot take away! There is indeed HAPPINESS IN HOLINESS; happiness the world cannot conceive! Don’t worry……you’re not alone!