Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– John Greenleaf Whittier
Joy
I remember hearing people who have conquered additions tell me that when they’re tempted to do it again but are able to resist caving into the pulls of the flesh, they say it is one of the most joyful moments of their life. There is joy in obeying God and it also brings God joy to see His children living in obedience, but it also brings joy to the one who’s living it.
Peace
Jesus told His disciples that He was going to have to suffer and die, and you can be sure the disciples didn’t have a lot of peace about that, so Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). Their hearts were troubled and they had no peace, not until Jesus said He would give them His peace, and it’s not like the flimsy peace the world offers.
Happiness
The Hebrew word for “blessed” and “happy” are the same, and the thing is, a person that’s blessed is usually happy, and a person who’s happy, is often blessed. It makes sense that blessings bring happiness, although not the type of happiness that the world offers. Christians should be more than happy, but even Israel will finally be happy someday, as Isaiah prophecies, “Happy are you who sow beside all waters, who let the feet of the ox and the donkey range free” (Isaiah 32:20).
Blessings
As we’ve read, the world bless and happy are very closely related, and well should they be! If we’ve been given every spiritual blessing, and we have, then we ought to be a blessing to others. Perhaps God might use us as a means to bring the greatest blessing of all to others, and that is eternal life, found only in trusting Christ.
Conclusion
God is spirit, so we can’t actually say God has a smile on His face, but when we exhibit joy, peace, happiness, and blessings in our lives, we make other smile, and we make Christ attractive to the lost. That opens the door for an opportunity to present the Word of God and pray for the Spirit of God to make a new child of God, and all for the glory of God.
