Week 18: Blessedness
- Key verses: Matthew 5:3-10; James 1:2-4
- The pursuit of happiness
- Is my faith enough?
- Parting thoughts
Key verses
Matthew 5:3-10 (NIV)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
James 1:2-4 (NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
The pursuit of happiness
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
These words penned 250 years ago gave rise to the United States of America. Over 1700 years earlier, Jesus Christ told us the way to pursue lasting happiness.
In America today, we see happiness pursued in all kinds of ways. This is consistent with the founders of our country. They don’t define happiness. These men define our right to pursue happiness and the foundation of that right which comes from our Creator.
The Creator from whom our rights are given defines the best happiness to pursue. Blessed equals happiness. A truly fulfilling happiness. Read through the Beatitudes from Jesus again. Don’t look at it as a to do list. Instead, where do you find yourself pursuing the opposite trait for happiness? What if you changed your direction? Are you willing to give Jesus’ way a chance?
All of us have a God-given right to pursue happiness. We can pursue it our way or God’s way.
Is my faith enough?
I grew up Christian. My parents are believers. I went to church, Christian schools, and Christian colleges. I became a Christian at early age. I planned to be a missionary. Being a Christian was easy.
It was so easy at times I wondered if my personal faith would hold up under pressure. Enter ALS. God gave me a proving ground for my faith. A relentless, cruel proving ground. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying God gave me ALS to test my faith. Maybe he has. Only he knows the end game.
What I do know is I should consider it an opportunity for joy. James talks about faith tested leading to endurance and hope. Many people wonder why I stick around. Why I got my tracheostomy. How I find joy living like this. The truth is it comes from God. He gives me hope and endurance because I trust his plan. This is the origin of my joy. I choose joy.
Parting thoughts
Happiness and joy that are fulfilling come from God. I never thought I’d have joy living like this. God has a plan and he has continued to build my endurance. I choose joy. What are you choosing? How are you exercising your right to pursue happiness? Jesus has shown the way!
