Proverbs 16:20

"He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; and whosever trusteth in Jehovah; happy is he."--Proverbs 16:20 ASV

 

Each morning we awake to go about our daily activities not knowing what the day will bring forth. Will it be success, happiness, peace of mind or will it be failure, sickness, pain and heartache? We just don't know from one moment to another what we are going to encounter on our daily walk. When all is well with us, our spirits are high and we are a happy people but then suddenly that changes when some burden or great trial comes upon us. I confess that there are times when I don't really understand why some adverse condition strikes at my human frame. But one thing I do know is that so long as my confidence is in my God, so long as I truly believe in his word and trust him without reservation, happiness will be my companion in this life. This life is too short for us to live our days being sad and unhappy. As we journey through life there is really no reason for us not to be happy. We have a saviour who loves us and cares for us (1 Peter 5:7; Hebrews 13:5). We are told in Hebrews 4:16 that there is not a creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened to his eyes. It is a fearful, yet a wonderful thing to know that we have an all seeing eye watching over us on this pathway of life. When all is well with us, he sees; when our hearts begin to be troubled, he sees and walks right beside us, keeping us safe.

 

True happiness will not be found in our own knowledge; nor will it be found in our own strength; nor will it be found in riches, possessions, popularity or recreational activities. Although these may bring feelings of happiness into our hearts, it will be only for a fleeting moment and those feelings of happiness will depart the heart just as quickly as they once entered. True happiness will only be found in the Lord where we will find perfect peace and safety that cannot be removed so long as our trust and confidence remains in him (Psalms 128:1-2; Psalms 144:15; Psalms 146:5) Be happy--Enjoy your life, have fun, cherish the moments you have with family and friends because that is the way it should be. But as you do so, make absolutely sure that you include plans in all you do for the eternity that is to come.

 

Charles Hicks