How to be Blessed and Happy – Really!

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Are you blessed and happy?

Do you want to be?

If you’re like me, you’re thinking . . . doesn’t everybody?

Looking around it’s easy to draw the conclusion that happiness is the result of our circumstances and desires aligning.

But Jesus answer to finding happiness is very different.

How to be Blessed and Happy

Very early in His ministry, Jesus told people how to be blessed and happy. The Bible calls it The Beatitudes.

A beatitude is defined as – supreme blessedness; exalted happiness.

So, I’m going to quietly sit at Jesus’ feet and learn how to be really blessed and happy.

Matthew 5:3–10

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Recognize their need for God.

The blessing of real happiness begins with recognizing our need for God. When you and I acknowledge that nothing in this world will fill the place in our spirits that God created for Himself alone. Until we know our need for Him we will never know true satisfaction.

Everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard, and all need to be made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23–24

Knowing my need for a relationship with God is the beginning of faith that Jesus said gives “the kingdom of heaven.”

They are blessed who mourn, for they will be comforted. – Repent of their sin. 

The blessing of real happiness continues when you and I realize that no matter what we’ve done, no matter how bad our past when you and I turn to God in repentance we are forgiven. Jesus sacrifice covers our guilt and shame.

“The time has come,” He said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15

When we grieve over our sins because of Jesus, the Father forgives and comforts. And freedom from guilt and shame . . . wow, that’s happiness.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. – They follow Jesus.

The blessing of real happiness is lived out as you and I follow Jesus with a humble caring heart. We get to know Him . . . not just know about Him but truly know Him and we follow Him by modeling His humble model of love and compassion.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

It seems counterintuitive that the meek will inherit the earth, but loving like Jesus will bless every relationship and leave a lasting legacy. Think about what you want people to say at your funeral. Can you imagine the blessing of having your loved ones say, “He/She loved like Jesus!”

They are blessed who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled. – They search to know God and His truth.

The blessing of real happiness grows as you and I dig deep into God’s truth and follow it.

Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. Matthew 6:33

Have you ever been hangry? You know, hungry anger . . . it’s not pretty! You need food. Too often life makes us angry because we are hungry for the assurance of God’s promises. And look at that blessing. When we feast on His truth we are filled with everything we need to get over the “hangries!”

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. – They forgive as they’ve been forgiven.

The blessing of real happiness overflows through offering the mercy of forgiveness to others. We are the beneficiaries of God’s mercy and He commands us to give that mercy to others. So much Jesus says we are to pray, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy. Luke 6:36

Withholding forgiveness and harboring hatred eats at our hearts, minds, and souls. It is impossible to enjoy true happiness while mentally reliving anger and resentment.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. – They are filled with the Holy Spirit.

The blessing of real happiness is enjoyed through a conscience washed clean by the power of the Holy Spirit.

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:13

When you and I are free to let go of past guilt we can live with purpose and enthusiasm. We are free to follow wherever He leads and see the work He is doing around us.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God. – They surrender to God’s authority.

The blessing of real happiness is a gift to peacemakers. Peace makes me happy. God’s perfect peace that strengthens me when life is hard. It is difficult to understand and almost impossible to explain. But it makes me happy.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17

Following God’s will and trusting His authority for daily living makes it possible for you and me to work toward peace in our relationships. Great relationships make me happy. And when people are important, when we work to have loving relationships people see Jesus in us. Isn’t that awesome?!

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – They trust God’s promises even when it’s hard. 

This one is hard. It doesn’t even make sense. The blessing of real happiness is a promise to those who are persecuted for following Jesus. I don’t want to be persecuted and I would imagine you don’t either. But Jesus said people would hate us for following Him and as we look around the world that seems all too true today.

Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. John 15:20

But we have the promise of a future filled with hope, the promise of kingdom residency . . . God’s presence today and always. That’s something worth celebrating.

Jesus Himself is our best blessing. 

Our strength for today and our hope for tomorrow.

“When I dwell on the goodness God has expressed towards me, my heart rises up like an artesian well, my eyes gush forth joy that waters my face and leaves the observer in wonder.” ~Gary Amirault

May you overflow with real happiness – the kind that is found in Christ Jesus alone!

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