Everyone wants to be happy. It is a state of mind that omits discouraging and negative things and thoughts that discourage us. When we are happy, the people around us notice. And when they notice it gives us a chance to tell them about Jesus and the hope He gives us every day.
Happy is the man who is reverent
Some people are scared of clowns. Others, the highway patrol. Some are scared of fast cars, and others being out of control. This kind of fear is different than the kind of fear the psalmist describes.
The psalmist uses the term “fear” to describe the immense reverence we should have towards God. Wrapped up in this “fear” is an idea to “hold in honor, reverence, and worship.” We know from Proverbs 1:7 that Solomon writes, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” So what does this mean?
I believe it means to look and respond rightly to God. This response is an internal response. I think of it like I do my parents. When I was growing up in my family I looked at my parents with reverence….sometimes. I looked at them with a healthy fear and respect because of their position.
The discipline was often tough, but I understood why it was necessary. The healthy fear and respect never wavered.
This understanding of God is necessary for the next step towards happiness in the Lord.
Happy is the man who is obedient
It is nearly impossible to obey someone you do not revere or respect. That is the importance of the beginning of verse one.
Our healthy fear of the Lord gives us a strong reason to obey Him. If fear brings happiness, obedience even more. Psalm 128:1 states, “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways!”
Do you walk in His ways? The word “walk” means to behave. Are God’s instructions to you considered optional? Do you obey when it feels right to obey? Do you obey when it seems advantageous? Obedience seems counter to what we often desire.
Obedience implies some type of humility and submission to someone else’s desire. That’s exactly what God desires of us. As we humble ourselves to the Lord’s desires for our lives, He provides blessed happiness. It does sound a little “churchy” but is absolutely true.
Happy is the man who works hard
Working hard is important. No one wants to be a sloth except a sloth. A sloth is someone who is lazy, lethargic, passive, and slack. They have no drive and seem to have a general disdain for work. I believe some who love the Lord have the idea that He simply gives us things and provides without us displaying any responsibility to help ourselves by working hard. This Psalm should change that sentiment. God doesn’t bless the sloth but expects us to participate.
If you’re retired or can’t work this verse is not saying you should get a job. It is saying that your frame of mind should be to work and stay busy for the Lord. We should remain open to doing what God wants us to do with our lives that will honor Him.
Happiness Illustrated
The psalmist now provides an illustration of what it is like to follow the Lord through fear, obedience, and hard work. In the Near East, having a large family was considered to be a blessing. We understand that the Lord provides everything….including a large family. God provides the family. Again in verse 4, the psalmist tells us that it is blessed to fear the Lord. No less than 4 times in these verses does the idea of blessed (happy) appear.
Happiness is given by God
Things shift to the Lord blessing us from Zion (Jerusalem). God is the giver of all good things. God is the provider of happiness to all who fear, obey, and work hard. Verse 5 gives us the place from which all blessings are given. If God dwelt in the temple in Jerusalem then this is the place from which blessing came. Again, it is important to understand the psalmist in on a pilgrimage to worship the Lord at His house in Jerusalem.
Happiness is for life
Verse 5 states blessing and prosperity should last all the days of our lives. this doesn’t mean we will experience financial prosperity defined by America. However, it does mean that we will experience amazing blessings and live a long life.
The psalmist closes in verse 6 by stating, “May you see your children’s children! Peace be upon Israel!” Having a “full quiver” of children was considered a blessing. And a long life was considered to be a blessing from the Lord. The psalmist is reiterating the importance of God’s response to our fear, obedience and hard work.
Some Questions…
- How do you search for happiness in your life?
- How different would your life be if you feared, obeyed, and rested in the Lord?
- What things hold you back from truly being