Happiness Defined: The Lasting Joy of Walking with God

Summary

Happiness rooted in circumstances is temporary, but lasting joy comes from walking with God. He forgives sin, removes guilt, erases fear, and surrounds His people with unfailing love. God Himself becomes our refuge, teacher, and guide, directing our lives with purpose and care. While the wicked live with restless consciences, those who trust the Lord experience security, peace, and enduring happiness that flows from a restored relationship with Him.

Why Getting What We Want Falls Short

Happiness is…. We all complete that sentence differently. In general, we are happy when we get what we want. But getting what we want does not satisfy us indefinitely. It is often not good for the long haul.

For example, a second dessert might be delightful but contributes to the doctor’s scowl when we have our next physical examination. Walking with God provides enduring happiness and eternal benefits.

The doctor said that my skin cancer was gone. That was a happy day! Forgiveness is to sin what spot remover is to clothes stains.

Forgiveness That Removes Sin and Guilt

God says our “sin cancer” is gone for those who walk with Him. Happier day! He takes it up and carries it beyond the furthest galaxy (Psalm 103:3, 11, 12).

God forgives sin in the Old Testament because Christ’s final sacrifice covered it. What a blessing when God does not charge sin to our account.

Yippee! That blessing should make us happy enough to be envied every day forever! But there is more.

God removes the crushing weight of our guilt when we confess our sins (Psalm 32:5). In the New Testament, confession is agreeing with God that our words, deeds, or thoughts have been sinful.

Freedom From Condemnation Through Christ

It includes changing our attitude toward our sins. We no longer justify or rationalize them.

When we confess our sins, God sends our guilt with them beyond the furthest star. He does not condemn us (Romans 8:1). Yippee! Happy day! But there is more.

God as Our Only Secure Refuge

Our fears disappear when we trust God as our refuge and protection. He is the only refuge that will not disappoint us (Psalm 32:7).

Food, money, alcohol, etc., are not worthy of our trust. Following God’s ways keeps us out of most of the trouble we would otherwise get into. God is a fear eraser. Yippee! Happy day! But there is more.

Learning Life from the Master Teacher

Our teacher is the architect, creator, and sustainer of the universe. Things and circumstances do not tumble into our lives without rhyme or reason. The Master Teacher controls them.

He is intimately involved with each of His students (32:8). Our responsibility is to use the knowledge He imparts to choose the right path. We could not have a better teacher. Yippee! Happy day! But there is more.

The wicked trudge through life with the mental anguish of a stabbing conscience. By contrast, those who trust in God live securely.

The Lasting Joy of Walking with God

God’s unfailing love surrounds us. Yippee. Happy Day! Happiness is—walking with God!

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