The Happy Life

Nº 259

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - July 18, 2023

True happiness is to rejoice in the truth, for to rejoice in the truth is to rejoice in You, O God, who are the truth… Those who think that there is another kind of happiness look for joy elsewhere, but theirs is not true joy. - St. Augustine

We all want to be happy! We all want to avoid pain and live meaningful lives. In this world, the best we can do is strive in that direction. We know that sin and its dreadful consequences will disrupt and complicate our lives, but godly choices will help our progress on the journey.

The opening verses of the Psalms summarize God’s formula for living a blessed (or happy) life. The first verse explains what to avoid, and the second tells us what to do.

“Blessed (or happy) 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 the scoffers.” (Psalm 1:1) The negative influences of the world are always before us, and we can choose to walk past, stand and observe, or sit down and participate fully.

Fortunately, the psalm provides direction as well: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2) Delighting in and meditating upon God’s Word completes God’s design for a truly blessed life.

If you want to live a blessed life – one that is happy in the eyes of eternity – follow the precepts of this psalm: limit the world’s influence and expand your intake of the Word of God.

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc