Pursuit of happiness
It is the day after the election, so you are either feeling really happy or sorely disappointed… or maybe you don’t know what to think or feel yet. As I write this on Monday, I’m not sure what will happen in this election cycle; but no matter how this election turns out, one thing I am absolutely sure about is that my God remains in control and that He will not abandon me or you as Believers!
Chuck Colson famously wrote: “The Kingdom of God will not arrive on Air Force One. Americans may elect the ‘leader of the free world,’ but the “King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God” will still rule the universe (1 Timothy 1:17).” As Believers, God will continue to bless us in ways that only He can, and we will continue to bless Him, as His faithful worshippers.
Are you feeling “blessed” these days? 2020 has been a year to forget. I have heard more than one person say, “This is the worst year ever!” We have battled an on-going global pandemic, ridden a roller-coaster economy, been confined to our homes; we have witnessed remarkable social unrest and unprecedented political strife. Some might say, “I’m not feeling real blessed these days.” But you are!
Many people make the mistake of defining “blessing” as physical or material prosperity; but when we aren’t feeling well or wealthy, does that mean God isn’t blessing us? The truth is that in the Bible, to be “blessed” has far less to do with physical prosperity than spiritual prosperity.
It is important to view blessings in light of truth, not feelings. Following Christ doesn't guarantee us earthly blessings. In fact, Christ promised us the complete opposite. 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Maybe you don’t feel blessed today… But if you are a Believer, you absolutely are, in more ways than you can imagine. Here are three ways we experience God’s blessings…
1) God blesses us by meeting all our needs!
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19. We can be confident that God can and will meet every need we have, especially when we are obedient toward Him. Paul was blessed by the Believers at Philippi because they continued to send him provisions while he was on mission. He assured them that God would honor their obedience and sacrifice.
My parents taught me a powerful Biblical principle as I was growing up; and I have tried to teach my children this same truth… “You can’t out-give the Lord.” God wants to take care of all our needs and He loves to show us! (Deut. 28:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:8). Are you obedient to Him? Trust that He will meet all your needs.
2) God blesses us with His presence, His strength and His help.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Do you ever find yourself afraid? There is a lot that we might might fear in this world… heath crisis, financial collapse, rejection, failure,…. Fear is an enemy of happiness in life. When you are constantly in a state of fear, you won’t be happy! And God knows it. The Israelites had many fears, not the least of which were their numerous enemies. But God reminded them that they did not need to fear; He was with them! And He is with us too, offering us strength and help in making life work!
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29
6 So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. Hebrews 13:6
If you are living in fear today, put your faith and trust in Christ! God will draw near to you… He will bless you with His presence, His strength and His help!
3) God blesses us with His love and His favor in Jesus Christ!
24 “‘’The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’ Numbers 6:24-26
This beautiful blessing offers us comfort and hope, especially in difficult life seasons. We are blessed because the Lord “keeps us” in His love (Rom. 8:39). We are blessed because His face radiates with joy and divine favor toward us; and because He has graciously provided for our greatest need - salvation in Jesus Christ! (Rom. 8:31-32)
Do you want to know how to receive God’s favor? Believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord! When you do, you will experience the happiness and peace you seek, even when the world around you seems chaotic. 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. John 13:33. You can experience God’s blessings today, in Christ… For much more, click here to watch Blessed - Part 1 - The Pursuit of Happiness.
