The Way to True Happinessنموونە

The only way to true happiness

The first Psalm can be seen as a gateway to the entire book of Psalms. The psalm begins with the word ‘blessed’. True happiness is promised to those who to live according to God’s law. They will receive God’s favor or blessing as they read His Word and obey it. They are promised happiness beyond measure.

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers." (Psalm 1:1 ESV) Three times you are told what you should not do to achieve happiness. You are to avoid things that lead to temptation. This attitude keeps you on the path the Lord has planned for you. You are not to follow the road that leads you away from God’s Law. The choice is between one of two paths. If you waver between them, you will get lost. A follower of Jesus must decide to follow Him on a daily basis. Jesus Himself was tempted by Satan three times but He clung to His Father's Word and did not give in (Luke 4:1-13). In this, He is our example.

To walk, to stand and to sit, are stages of possible temptation. The psalmist warns us: don't walk in that direction, don't even stop there, and above all, don't make yourself comfortable in such a place! Following God involves your whole life. First, guard your actions (the walking), then your beliefs (the standing), and also your mind (the sitting). Happiness begins by guarding your heart and doing what is pleasing to God.

When, by God’s grace, we learn to avoid temptation, joy and thankfulness will follow. If we obey God’s law we will make the right choices. The will of God is not a burden for those who delight in it. It leads to freedom, boldness, and daily renewal.