So many times I have heard or read about people who say,” I just want to be happy.”  Then it is proceeded by some life changing event like divorce. There are books written on how to be happy.  There are people who give seminars or talks on how to be happy.

What makes you happy?  Is it your favorite breakfast from your favorite resturant?

Is it being close to the ocean?

Is it family?

However,  I want to take just a minute to look at what Jesus says what it means to be truly happy.

In Matthew 5:2-12 (the Beatitudes) Jesus gives us the total instructions on how to be truly happy.  So, while you read over these ask yourself, are you truly happy?

1. Are you poor in spirit?  v. 3  We should seek to be enriched by God, who is a spirit.
2. Do you mourn? v. 4  Can you mourn your sins & short comings with Godly sorrow?
3. Are you meek? v. 5 We should allow God to rule our thoughts & actions instead.  We should be more concerned with God’s way than what we think is best.
4. Do you hunger & thirst for righteousness? v.6 Is the Bible a regular book on your reading list? We don’t go one day without eating food for our physical bodies. We should not go without feeding on God’s word for our spiritual bodies.
5. Are you merciful? v.7 We should show appreciation for what God has done for us.  Have you ever heard someone say they just won’t forgive someone for being wronged?  A refusal to forgive will make you one of the most unhappy people on Earth.
6. Are you pure in heart? v.8 If our hearts are full of Godliness, wholesomeness, & righteousness, then we won’t have time to let bad things in.
7. Are you a peacemaker? v. 9  Do you stir up strife or drama in your home, church, work, or wherever you go?  Are you always miserable & just can’t help but spread it around?  That’s where the the term misery loves company comes from.
8. Have you been persecuted for righteousness? v. 10 Are you the one who is not going to be swayed by wrongdoing, no matter what?  No matter if someone gives you a hard time about it? Or do you give in?

If you will remember the Hebrew writer speaking of Moses in Hebrews 11: 23-25 stated that Moses chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.  It’s all a discipline thing.  We have to bring ourselves into subjection to Christ.  We live in the world, with sin.  So, we are not immune to trials, problems, or bad things happening to us.  But we do have an awesome God that we can turn to. We must be patient & know that no matter what the Lord will take care of us & our situations.

In v. 12,  of the Beatitudes, it tells the ending of the story on how to be happy.

Matthew 5:12  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “ Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”

We should make an effort to be happy, God’s way.  That’s true happiness.

*** I must make mention the biggest part of this blog was from a sermon from church.  I asked our minister  could I use it to share with my friends on my blog.  He happily agreed.  Thank you Bro. Brad for such a great message from God’s word!

Thank you so much for stopping by today.  I have enjoyed you visiting.  I must be going now, because I should be washing clothes…….