HAPPY LIVING
Psalm 1:1-2 (NKJV) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
“BLESS YOU!” It means more than a courteous response to a sneeze! It is a God-concept found through-out the Bible.
TO BLESS: to show favor; to cause to prosper in every way and live at peace; to make happy.
It is interesting to note that both the Book of Psalms and Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” in Matthew 5-7 begin with…“Blessed is the one”. God is literally saying to us in both the Old and New Testaments…“God will make you happy when …..”
What a concept: God wants us to be happy and is giving us specific instructions on how to live happy! All parents want their kids to be happy. So how much more does our Father in heaven, Who is perfect in Fatherly love want His children to be happy? He, Who created and redeemed us, wants us to live in His rich blessing!
Matthew 7:11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
This is why the Psalms and Jesus’ great Sermon on the Mount begin with instructions on how to live in happiness. In fact, the entire Word of God is given to you so that you would have a guidebook on how to live in God’s happy blessing program. Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJV) The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.