For True Happiness, Let God Be Your Guide!

Some people think if you are happy, you are blind to reality. But when we research it, happiness actually raises every single business and educational outcome for the brain.

Scientifically, happiness is a choice. It is a choice about where your single processor brain will devote its finite resources as you process the world. If you scan for the negative first, your brain literally has no resources left over to see the things you are grateful for or the meaning embedded in your work. But if you scan the world for the positive, you start to reap an amazing advantage.

A decade of research in the business world proves that happiness raises nearly every business and educational outcome: raising sales by 37%, productivity by 31%, and accuracy on tasks by 19%, as well as a myriad of health and quality-of-life improvements.

Training your brain to be positive at work is just like training your muscles at the gym. Sounds simple, right? Well, think about how easy it is to make yourself go to the gym.

The key with any new resolution is to make it a habit. New research on neuroplasticity -- the ability of the brain to change even as an adult -- reveals that moderate actions can rewire the brain as you create "life habits."

So to be more success, retrain your brain to be more positive. -CNN, March 19, 2012, Shawn Achor

Where does the key to true happiness lie? We live in a time where boredom, depression and other forms of unhappiness are rampant. Is there some basic principle which determines success in finding happiness?

The Book of Psalms with its very first psalm (Psalms 1:1-6) shares with us a key principle that can ensure true happiness. Notice the very first word of the first psalm - "Blessed..." The word in Hebrew denotes the idea of "happiness." The actual force of the Hebrew could be translated "O how very happy is the man..." Therefore this psalm describes "The Truly Happy Man."

We are told of his character (Psalm 1:1-2). This is described first from a NEGATIVE point of view (Psalm 1:1). There is value in negative commands or statements. For so much that destroys happiness is the fruit of sinful activity. We ought to appreciate the value of negative commands. Why is this? Because: a) They keep us from going astray and; b) They protect from harm and misery. Think of them as restraining walls along a cliff, they keep us from getting hurt.

Therefore it is said that the truly happy man:

1) "Walks not in the counsel of the ungodly." He does not take their counsel as to how to live. Nor does he follow the advice of those who are sinful.
2) "Nor stands in the path of sinners." He does not linger where sinners are known to go. Because the temptation to go with them would be great.
3) "Nor sits in the seat of the scornful." He does not join himself with those who ridicule and mock those trying to do right; which sinners often do to fortify their conduct and defend their actions.

Notice the example of Hebrew poetry in this verse. Hebrew poetry stressed "thought rhyme" rather than "word rhyme." This is where the thoughts are somehow related rather than just the words. Such thought rhyme was often expressed in various forms of "parallelism" (e.g., synonymous, Psalm 1:2; antithetical, Psalm 1:6).

Here we find an example of "progressive parallelism" (walk, stand, sit). This verse may be taken to describe the journey one takes into sin...

1) First, one going along with a crowd;
2) Then, taking a stand with the crowd;
3) Finally, reaching a point where sinning is not enough, mockery is added.

Now, let's examine the character of the righteous man from a POSITIVE perspective (Psalm 1:2). "His delight is in the law of the Lord." The source of his joy and happiness is the Word of God! It is truly his "delight" (cf. Psalm 119:16,24,35,47,70,77,92,174; Jeremiah 15:16-17). He preferred it over the counsel of the ungodly!

Thus, "in His law he meditates day and night." The word meditate means to "moan, hum, utter, speak, muse." The picture is one of a man reading and re-reading half aloud to himself. Another word might be "ponder." This he does with God's word "day and night." I am not implying a monk-like existence, but a concerted interest which goes beyond a casual acquaintance.

What it means is that this is something he does habitually; he takes time to do - setting apart portions of each day; and he does both day and night!

In conclusion, if we desire to be "The Truly Happy Man"; standing strong like a well-nourished tree (bearing fruit at all times, with the Lord always at our side); then the key is to flourish and meditate in the Word of the Lord, and not follow the advice of sinners!

In whose counsel do you abound? That found in God's word, or that provided by the ungodly in this world? If you seek true happiness, let the Lord be your counselor, and His word your guide!

Prayer:

Almighty and most Merciful God, graciously hearken unto our prayers; and free our hearts from the temptations of evil thoughts; that we may worthily become a fit habitation for Thy Holy Spirit. Amen

God bless you,

Miranda