The Oil of Gladness
What does it take to be truly happy? It is remarkable that the people who we would think would be the happiest of all because of their position or money are often the most miserable. Just this week 2 people who were rich and famous have committed suicide. Both were very successful and admired by others. However, they took their own lives, instead of living any longer. That is a tragedy. However, we can be truly happy if we follow the Lord's prescription. (Psalm 45:7) Let's see what it takes.
If we want God to anoint us with the oil of gladness, there are two things we must do. We must love righteousness and hate wickedness or sin. I am afraid there are many people in the world today that have this backwards. They hate righteousness and love sin. The problem is that the works of righteousness as given to us in the Bible are the things that produce meaningful satisfaction and fulfillment in our lives. Also, the sins that are outlined in God's Word are the things that cause us brokenness and pain. Just think about it. Therefore, when God sees a person who really gets these two truths and practices them, He anoints that person's life with gladness or happiness. In fact, He goes so far as to give us His joy, which ensures we can experience happiness, even when our lives are not going very well, because we know God is in control, and all is well.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 46-48.
If we want God to anoint us with the oil of gladness, there are two things we must do. We must love righteousness and hate wickedness or sin. I am afraid there are many people in the world today that have this backwards. They hate righteousness and love sin. The problem is that the works of righteousness as given to us in the Bible are the things that produce meaningful satisfaction and fulfillment in our lives. Also, the sins that are outlined in God's Word are the things that cause us brokenness and pain. Just think about it. Therefore, when God sees a person who really gets these two truths and practices them, He anoints that person's life with gladness or happiness. In fact, He goes so far as to give us His joy, which ensures we can experience happiness, even when our lives are not going very well, because we know God is in control, and all is well.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 46-48.