God's Plan for Happiness

It seems that everyone is interested in and searching for happiness. What’s really interesting is to observe the choices and decisions that people make to obtain true happiness. 

Some time back, I received an assignment to present a lesson from Psalm 32. This great Psalm of repentance and thanksgiving is one of several sections of the Psalter that contain beatitudes. In fact, it would make a great series of sermons to discuss the Beatitudes in the Psalms. 

Psalm 32 actually begins with a double beatitude. The Hebrew word the Psalmist uses is “esher.” In the Septuagint, it is translated “makarios,” which is the same word Jesus used in the Sermon on the Mount. Both of these words, translated as “blessed,” describe a great depth of happiness.  

A quick perusal of the beatitudes in Palm 1, 2, 33, & 34 allows us to see that the blessing in these references is dependent upon the character or the actions of the one being blessed. For example, “Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!” (Psalm 1)  

The differences in Psalm 32 are clear and distinctive. The blessing in this pair of beatitudes does not depend on the actions or character of the one being blessed. Rather the blessing is given based upon the actions and character of our loving Father.  

It is God who forgives us, covers our sins, and who doesn’t keep a record of those sins. This is certainly something that we cannot do for ourselves. God’s key to our happiness is Divine forgiveness.  

Is it possible that when we are not happy and when we are missing contentment, joy, and peace in our hearts, it is because we have been trying to do something that God never intended us to do?  

If you are struggling with guilt, shame, or sin that eats at your soul and causes you to consider ceasing your work for God, why not allow God’s forgiveness to calm you? Why not turn one of the toughest tasks of mankind over to the One who can bring true, lasting, and meaningful happiness?