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Daily Devotion: Psalm 144:15

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Psalm 144:15    "Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD."

We all want happiness in life, don't we? We search for it in many ways and in many different places. Sometimes, it seems that we don't really know what true happiness is; therefore, we swallow the commercial leads that tell us to buy certain products and we can find happiness. We go many places to seek that elusive man-made image of true happiness. The Bible speaks of joy and in my opinion there is a difference between joy and happiness.  Joy is that inner feeling of contentment that can sustain us even in tough times. Joy keeps our hearts in a safe place even when the storms of life are raging against us. Joy comes from Christ living in us and sustaining us in all our pain. Joy is a lasting state of heart and mind that is not based upon outward circumstances, but the inner position of relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. That is joy.

But our text says that we can also be happy. What is the difference? Maybe I'm straining at gnats, or splitting hairs, but to me there is a difference. Joy is based upon the inner state of mind, while happiness is the result of those outward circumstances that are agreeable to us. If we had taken time to list every verse of this Psalm, we could see David was writing this because he was in a state of happiness of mind.  Let's look at just a few of the things he mentions in this Psalm. He speaks of God being his strength when he goes out to war.  God has delivered him from the evil intentions of others who tried to physically harm him and those who accused him falsely. He is happy because the sons and daughters of his kingdom are successful. The crops of the field have flourished and their sheep have been multiplied thousands of times over. The oxen who are used to plow their fields are strong. In other words, The sky is blue, the sun is in its place, and everything is alright in his world. He is happy.

But notice the source of happiness. All the things that are mentioned in the Psalm are the results of a relationship that makes his life and his world to be filled with contentment. Though things are used to bring happiness, the source is found in one place.  True happiness is joined with true joy when we can realize that all the blessings that fill our lives come from the Lord.  True happiness is multiplied when we stop to give honor and praise to the One Who grants the blessings we enjoy.  "Happy is that people, whose God is the LORD." My joy that sustains and my happiness that allows me to completely enjoy life comes from the Lord.  I must have a grateful heart to express my appreciation for all my God does for me.

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