What is your definition of true happiness? Of course the dictionary has a definition of happiness. But what is it to you personally? Happy are we when the bills are paid and the kids are behaving? Happy are we when things go well at work? Happy are we with a new car, good vacation, pay raise/more money, etc? Is our happiness contingent upon things going right as we would each like for our personal circumstances?
We all want to be happy (well, most of us, some people do seem to enjoy being miserable). And the Lord wants us happy. Jesus said He came to give us “life and life more abundantly.” The second fruit of the Spirit listed in book of Galatians is “joy.” So what makes a happy and abundant life?
For certain, there is a kind of joy that comes from getting what we want. There is even a joy that comes from sin sometime. But both are short lived! And the joy that comes from sin is costly and the long term price drastically outweighs the temporary joy 100% of the time. Even if it does not seem like it at the time, sin is expensive; it separates us from God and His will, and at a minimum will require repentance and often involves hurting others.
What is the happy, joyful and abundant life that the Lord wants for us and how can we have it?
To begin understanding the joy and abundant life that the Lord wants us to have, let us consider this amazing Bible verse that is sometimes overlooked.
Jesus, when He came in the natural, was happy. Jesus had the anointing of “exultant joy and gladness above and beyond” those around Him. The Lord was showing us the way. It says, Jesus “loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore” God blessed Him with that anointing! There is a joy that comes from God when we love righteousness, along with hating injustice and iniquity. It does not say to love only righteous people and hate ones who commit evil! It says it of righteousness and evil actions.
Because Jesus loved righteousness He acted upon that. He did not merely say it with His lips. It was seen in all He did and in choosing complete obedience to God and not falling prey to sin. Jesus hated injustice and iniquity. Once again, He did not merely say it with His lips. He stood against it. He called it out at the proper times. He delivered people from demons and freed us from the curse and bondage of sin.
The Lord when He came as one of us, never broke union with the Father. Jesus kept Himself pure.
The lost become conditioned in a life of sin, not even knowing what they are missing by not being in union with God. Sadly, Christians who backslide, become reconditioned to sin and in breaking union with the Lord.
Life is not easy, but in keeping ourselves right with God, there is much reward.
Did He hurt sometimes? Of course (Isaiah 53:3). Did He hurt for others sometimes? Of course (Matthew 14:3-20, Luke 10:25-37). Did He get frustrated? It sure sounded like it with the woes. I do not believe He was simply angry at the time but also longing for those He was speaking to, to repent (Luke 11:37-54). Did He get angry? For sure He had the good kind of anger and acted upon it when He flipped the tables on the money changers who defiled the temple (Mark 11:17). Did He have to endure family that did not believe in Him? The Scripture says that He did (John 7:5). Did He have to endure temptation? The Bible says He was tempted just as we are (Hebrews 4:15, Matthew 4:1-11). Did He ever have bills to pay and family He had to take care of? We know that sometime between being left at the temple (when He was twelve) and the crucifixion (when we believe He was thirty three), Joseph died. As the oldest son, the responsibility of taking care of His mother’s care was passed to the disciple John (John 19:26-27). In those days, it was not as it is today for women. And, we know Jesus’ brother, most likely next in line, was James (not James of the 12 apostles), but He chose the young disciple John. (No one knows for sure when Joseph died, but it is entirely possible, that as the oldest son, the Lord might have even had to support the family until the younger ones were old enough to be out on their own.)
The Lord “truly knew” what He was doing. Jesus did not live according to the human carnal nature we are all born with.
It might be startling to some, but when Jesus came as a human, He was born with a “carnal nature” like us (Hebrews 2:18). Thankfully, He ruled over it and it never was able to get Him to sin. And the Lord was not living in His own strength. Even though He was the Christ, He depended on the Father, how much more must we do so also. We have a tendency to all want to be self-sufficient and self-confident. How much greater it is, to be God-sufficient and God-confident. By that I mean to be like the Jesus. He looked for and depended on the guidance of the Father through the Holy Spirit and knew who He was in God’s value. It was not in His physical appearance or social position or how great a carpenter or minister He was. It was that He knew the Father loved Him and fearfully and wonderfully made Him in Mary’s womb, just as we are each made special and loved by God too. Jesus knew He was unique to God’s special plan for His life and that He came to be the best Jesus and Messiah He could be. The Lord had to “start out as” and “be taken care of” as a baby, obey His earthly parents, deal with siblings and relatives, learn in school, learn to work and become the man who would become the ultimate Rabbi. In all His life, He never broke union with the Father by committing a sin.
When mankind fell in the Garden that day, they lost so much for themselves and all their descendants.
We, as mankind, lost our unity with God, as spiritual death came (Genesis 2:17). In an instant, they each became separate from God when they disobeyed the Father. We are not born into happy harmony with God any more. We are born separated. To make our way out of sin and back into the joyous life of harmony with God, we must choose to do so (through Christ). Can you imagine the price-tag of sin, corporately and individually? Jesus made the way for us to be able to have the great life that the Father desires for each of us, but we have to follow Him there!
The basic biblical definition of “blessed” is “happy.” Imagine how some of the verses that say “blessed” would sound if they said “happy.” Additionally, in the biblical definition of blessed along with happy, is fortunate, prosperous and enviable!
Scripture will follow with commentary, to help us see and understand having the abundant life and real happiness that God wants for us.
Both the New King James Version and the Amplified Version will be used.
Happy (and more) is the one who does not disregard God nor go the way of the lost and the fallen (carnal) nature, following after them and hanging out among them. Rather, this one takes delight in knowing the wisdom and ways of God, keeping centered on the Lord and what He wants for us.
There are three parts to all of us, physical, mental and spiritual. All three are intrinsic to being alive and require action on our parts. We can advance or decline in any of these areas. Oftentimes, we think of the physical part of us the most because it is always demanding, but the mind and spirit must be fed and strengthened too. When we take refuge in the Lord and His strength, we have great benefit. He feeds us with the living bread of true life and living water that satisfies the spiritual inner-man like nothing else can do. When we draw close to God, get in prayer and alone time with Him, listen for His voice and direction, read and study His Word, praise and adore Him, oh how we are fed and strengthened.
Most of us know from 1 John 4:8, that God is love. But He is also wisdom. King Solomon described wisdom in the feminine gender because wisdom gives birth. She births life. How can God be feminine? Together “we” were created in His image, both male and female. God is wisdom, He is all knowledge and He is all sense.
Wisdom really is a tree of life. Wisdom gives birth to peace and order. Wisdom brings understanding with her. There is no end to the benefits of wisdom. God makes the simple wise! In Him, we can learn and have wisdom. The Lord took me and countless others, in our brokenness and mess, and brought wisdom and order. He made something beautiful out of my mess when I gave it to Him and put Him in charge. With His wisdom, He takes us from the miry pit and puts us on on solid ground. When we hold on to the Lord and His wisdom, we have abundant life!
The next verses, to those of the world, might seem quite strange or impossible.
As the Amplified Version breaks the words down deeper, let us consider the same verse in it, as it emphasizes the real meaning of “blessed.”
The real winners of life, the ones who have the abundant life, are the spiritually prosperous, who have salvation and God’s favor, no matter how good or bad their circumstances seem at the time, are the poor in spirit, meaning humble! Those that “humble themselves” before God and elevate others ahead of themselves, (who are not full of self and pride), but rather are in-dwelled by the Holy Spirit and His attributes, these have the kingdom of heaven! As we are already citizens of the kingdom of heaven, the curse and bondage of sin are broken from us and the benefits begin here.
Happy are those who mourn? Well, it is more likely saying how fortunate are those who mourn in the Lord, repenting from their sin and wicked ways, and discover the incomparable mercy and grace of God! To find true life, the first beatitude is humility, the second is repentance. While this verse is often used at funerals, it is not really a “funeral Scripture.” With this “repentance” when “one dies to self,” they find “true life.” When we are saved, we repent and give up the carnal nature and become born-again (in the spirit) into the divine nature that was lost at the fall in the Garden of Eden. We find the comfort and peace of God when we turn from self-lordship to His lordship, resulting not only in relief, but the most wonderful life possible!
One day, this earth and its universe will pass and there will be a new earth. And the place that Jesus went to prepare for us, the heavenly New Jerusalem, will come down upon the new earth and it will be like nothing else! This is one possible meaning. There is also another possible meaning that is a little deeper. When Adam sinned, the authority they had over this earth, was lost to the devil. Both Adam and Eve chose to listen to the wrong voices instead of the voice of God (Eve to the devil, Adam to Eve after she fell into sin). Praise God, Jesus took the authority back from the devil. When it looked the worst at the cross, when the devil thought he was crushing the Lord, it was just the opposite. Jesus’ sacrifice made the way to have the authority back. Through Jesus, we can be spiritually born-again, with a godly nature and leave the old carnal one behind. When the Lord was crucified, many lost faith in Him, as they wanted Him to be the kind of Messiah that would free them from the Romans, but instead, He sacrificially gave Himself as the meek, Passover Lamb of God. Oftentimes, when we do not return evil for evil, we look like meek lambs. But therein is the power and victory. We win when we hold fast and do not succumb to returning hate. We can do like the Lord did on the cross and even pray for those who do us wrong, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” The meek in Christ win, and do inherit the earth.
This is exciting! All people “hunger and thirst” for various things and because of it, they seek to satisfy those desires. As Christians, we hunger and thirst for God and His goodness. The Holy Spirit guides us to be humble, to repent, die to self and love others, seek God and His righteousness, and to be filled and satisfied by Him! Sometimes we have to stop, pause and take the time to realize the benefits we have from being God’s children, loving Him and keeping Him first in our hearts and lives. When we have the Lord as the true Lord in our hearts and lives, there is great reward, not just eternally, but now also!
This mercy is grace! We get it from God and we pass it on. Those who do not pass it on, burn out like a star. The One who forgave us, says we have to forgive others. That our debt to Him was huge and when we do not forgive others their debts to us, that our pardon is revoked (Matthew 18:23-35). Grace is God’s love in action. We are to love others as He has loved us. The merciful ones obtain and keep His mercy when they pass it on. They find what real love means and have all the benefits that come with it!
It just keeps getting better! When one has a pure heart, it is a reflection of one’s Father. Not only will one see God for eternity, but one will have the best relationship with Him possible! This comes from dying to self and living out one’s faith. Here are the beatitudes from the beginning so far: being humble and repenting, dying to self by being meek, hungering and thirsting after God, including His goodness and ways, opening the door to being filled with Him. By not only receiving His mercy, but in passing it on. In growing in God like this, one really starts to see Him for who He is and it is reflected by in the person and seen as pure in heart. All these things are the fruit of the Spirit, the evidence of a living faith and bring a kind of happiness that is incomparable.
This is not easy! To be a peacemaker and a maintainer of peace, also makes one a target of the disgruntled ones. Without growing in Christ to this point, I propose that it is next to impossible to do this correctly. If one ever needs the direction and power of the Holy Spirit, it is when making a stand for what is right and trying to invoke harmony. If one has grown to this point and does it with the Lord’s direction, there is a huge peace in knowing one did what they could.
The apostle Stephen comes to mind (Acts 7:54-60). He prayed for those who wrongfully persecuted him and stoned him to death. Many Christians are persecuted where their life is not taken, but it is never easy being persecuted. One has to take comfort that when one is being persecuted for doing or standing for righteousness’ sake, that it is exactly what is happening. It is better to stand and be persecuted for such, than to back down or even be praised for the opposite. It is an honor whether one realizes it at the time or not. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake that they were doing something right, even at a cost. God never lets that go unrewarded. Those that handle persecution for righteousness’ sake with a good heart, will be rewarded according to the Lord’s measure! This is a comfort!
Sometimes people look at this verse and the preceding one, and leave out “for righteousness’ sake” and/or “for the Lord’s sake.” These verses do not apply to just any kind of persecution or being reviled and falsely accused. The Lord will not let suffering for righteousness’ sake and His name sake, go without eternal reward. There is also a special kind of reward in this lifetime for those that handle it correctly, something that cannot be seen with human eyes. There is a deeper closeness with the Lord that comes, an increase of His presence and a certain kind of spiritual “glory” that happens. This is not referring to a human kind of “prideful” glory, but a humble kind, letting one know that the Father is pleased and honors you in a way no one else can know or understand.
It may not seem like it at the time, because one is having to personally endure attack, but one can be glad and even rejoice to be counted worthy to join in with those who were persecuted in the faith before us. God takes these matters seriously. And for those suffering for His sake, great is the reward. For those that do the persecuting, unless they repent, great is also what they will reap in the negative.
Another verse comes to mind in regard to this one. Jesus said, “By your patience possess your souls” (Luke 21:19). Not all trials are quick. Many require much prayer and patience. But we know that when we endure and finish the task correctly, that the Lord has eternal reward, for those who love Him and persevere. There is joy in doing the right thing. No repenting is required later and there is a deep satisfaction that is priceless.
How wonderful and comforting this is. The first resurrection is the rapture. Those who precede the ones who will be alive at the time of the rapture, will take part in it, as well as those alive. Those who previously died in Christ, will come in spirit (form) with the Lord at the rapture (1 Thessalonians 3:13) and when their remains are changed from corruptible to incorruptible it will be at the same moment as those who will be alive (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The second resurrection is at the Great White Throne of Judgment when the dead (not in Christ, but who died in their own sins) are brought forth. The benefits of being a faithful child of God are beyond measure.
There is a saying that says, “be born once, die twice – be born twice, die once.” When we are born-again (spiritually), the only thing that will ever die afterward is our bodies. For those who insist on self-rule and refuse God, they will die first in their physical bodies and later have to face the “second death.” The second death is the eternal damnation that comes after the Great White Throne of Judgment. Those that choose the Lord and His lordship, will never have to endure the second death but will rule and reign with the Lord for 1000 years and even spend eternity with Him.
Consider these verses about the cost of not heeding the voice of God.
The people who blame God are some of the most miserable people on earth. And there is a reason they blame and resent the Lord. They do so because of rebellious hearts that subverts their ways. Their hearts are their own ruin. It is a sad thing.
Those who lie will not go unpunished. They will even perish eternally. Liars are an amazing lot. They eventually seer their consciences so much, that they think nothing of telling more lies to perpetuate whatever their agenda is. When they think they have gotten away with something, they do not realize it but their “victory is hollow.” They have no idea what they are even missing and their end will be eternal damnation; liars do not go to heaven but will face the second death (Revelation 21:8,27; 22:15).
The writer of Proverbs, King Solomon wrote many times about people being “self-confident” as in this proverb. He is referring to the kind of self-confident that is in opposition to being “God-confident.” Solomon knew Who blessed him. He knew God was the ultimate source. The wise man, who has the fruit of the Spirit actively working as “patience” in his life is the direct opposite of the person who is “self and anger driven.” The godly one is so blessed and the ungodly one is owned by sin. How happy is the one who is no longer in bondage to sin.
A life where sin is in rule is not a happy life. There will be mistake after mistake and it will all be costly. Even the scoffer is a disgusting to others.
Another verse comes to mind here. “Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice” (Proverbs 16:8). The ungodly one may not even realize what they are missing out on. The one who honors God in their ways who may not have a lot, but what they have is blessed by God. They are God-dependent and know He takes care of them. How sweet is that one’s peace.
It is a sad thing when people who should know better, seek the world, instead of the kingdom of heaven. They are forsaking the One who loves them and given all possible for them and foolishly throwing it all away. The world cannot provide true living water and the “worldly water” that one finds there, will leak out. Who is the blessed one, but the one who knows and stays dependent on and true to their God.
Who has not looked at the wicked ones seeing them prospering and getting away with doing wicked things? Who has not felt like Asaph did as he recorded here of how it seems so unfair? Notice though, that when he humbly cried out to the Lord about it, Asaph got revelation. “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood [for I considered] their end” (verse 17). The wicked that seem to be prospering, are only appearing to be prospering. How many times does one see “the rich and famous” committing suicide? Real and lasting happiness cannot be bought with riches and does not merely come from fame. Real peace and joy come from having a right relationship with God.
We need to stop and consider the lives of the ungodly, not just in segments, but their whole life spans. When we do, we see that foolishness and ungodliness is expensive. We see them making expensive mistakes, that not only cost them, but their descendants. We see them falling for the lies and temptations of the devil over and over. The glamour that some have, does not last and gives way to sadness and despair. If we want to be truly wise and blessed, we need the direction and wisdom of God. We do not need to be self-confident but God-confident. What is the end of a self-confident person in this world without God? They will seem to prosper but their prosperity will be short lived as their follies ultimately become their demise. The God-confident ones know that God is directing their lives as they are in submission to Him and trust in Him, with the wonderful benefit of peace, even when things seem to go wrong.
In summation, true Christians are blessed. The Lord’s children who are God-dependent and God-confident, have peace, joy, daily strength (with the option for more if needed) and the fruit of having the Holy Spirit dwelling in and directing us, resulting in a wonderful life. The benefits are without measure. The fruit of the Spirit (characteristics of God found in His true children) are attributes that bless everyone. Love heals and brings comfort and happiness (hatred of others is unpleasant, brings hurt and prevents healing). Patience brings peace and strength (impatience bring frustration and error). People are who thankful are not only happy, but a joy to be around (the unthankful, grumble and murmur and no one wants to be around them). People committed to telling the truth can be counted on (those who don’t, not even other liars trust them). Wisdom brings life and sense (foolishness brings stupidity and expensive cost). Gentleness and meekness have the door open for grace and are pleasant to others (pride and selfishness hold anyone back and keep those who have them deaf to reality and others).
It is important to note that there are some who came to Christ, but never really grew in Him and still consider themselves to be Christians. The measure of peace and joy they have is not much. They wind up having a form of religion without a true relationship with the One they profess to know. Many of these trip over the stumbling-blocks of not sharing forgiveness and grace; resulting in becoming bitter and hypocritical. There is a huge danger in receiving from blessing from God and not passing it on
We, as Christians, have it all available to us! From the first beatitude to the last! Christians face hard times but not in their own wisdom or strength. This is when we rely on Father God even more. Real peace, true joy and abundant life are only found in the Lord and living a life unto and in Him. A life without Him cannot compare. What do the wicked have? There is no comparison!
We all want to be happy (well, most of us, some people do seem to enjoy being miserable). And the Lord wants us happy. Jesus said He came to give us “life and life more abundantly.” The second fruit of the Spirit listed in book of Galatians is “joy.” So what makes a happy and abundant life?
For certain, there is a kind of joy that comes from getting what we want. There is even a joy that comes from sin sometime. But both are short lived! And the joy that comes from sin is costly and the long term price drastically outweighs the temporary joy 100% of the time. Even if it does not seem like it at the time, sin is expensive; it separates us from God and His will, and at a minimum will require repentance and often involves hurting others.
What is the happy, joyful and abundant life that the Lord wants for us and how can we have it?
To begin understanding the joy and abundant life that the Lord wants us to have, let us consider this amazing Bible verse that is sometimes overlooked.
- Hebrews 1:8-9 (NKJV) But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.”
- Hebrews 1:8-9 (AMP) But as to the Son, He says to Him, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever (to the ages of the ages), and the scepter of Your kingdom is a scepter of absolute righteousness (of justice and straightforwardness). 9 You have loved righteousness [You have delighted in integrity, virtue, and uprightness in purpose, thought, and action] and You have hated lawlessness (injustice and iniquity). Therefore God, [even] Your God (Godhead), has anointed You with the oil of exultant joy and gladness above and beyond Your companions.”
Jesus, when He came in the natural, was happy. Jesus had the anointing of “exultant joy and gladness above and beyond” those around Him. The Lord was showing us the way. It says, Jesus “loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore” God blessed Him with that anointing! There is a joy that comes from God when we love righteousness, along with hating injustice and iniquity. It does not say to love only righteous people and hate ones who commit evil! It says it of righteousness and evil actions.
Because Jesus loved righteousness He acted upon that. He did not merely say it with His lips. It was seen in all He did and in choosing complete obedience to God and not falling prey to sin. Jesus hated injustice and iniquity. Once again, He did not merely say it with His lips. He stood against it. He called it out at the proper times. He delivered people from demons and freed us from the curse and bondage of sin.
The Lord when He came as one of us, never broke union with the Father. Jesus kept Himself pure.
The lost become conditioned in a life of sin, not even knowing what they are missing by not being in union with God. Sadly, Christians who backslide, become reconditioned to sin and in breaking union with the Lord.
Life is not easy, but in keeping ourselves right with God, there is much reward.
Did He hurt sometimes? Of course (Isaiah 53:3). Did He hurt for others sometimes? Of course (Matthew 14:3-20, Luke 10:25-37). Did He get frustrated? It sure sounded like it with the woes. I do not believe He was simply angry at the time but also longing for those He was speaking to, to repent (Luke 11:37-54). Did He get angry? For sure He had the good kind of anger and acted upon it when He flipped the tables on the money changers who defiled the temple (Mark 11:17). Did He have to endure family that did not believe in Him? The Scripture says that He did (John 7:5). Did He have to endure temptation? The Bible says He was tempted just as we are (Hebrews 4:15, Matthew 4:1-11). Did He ever have bills to pay and family He had to take care of? We know that sometime between being left at the temple (when He was twelve) and the crucifixion (when we believe He was thirty three), Joseph died. As the oldest son, the responsibility of taking care of His mother’s care was passed to the disciple John (John 19:26-27). In those days, it was not as it is today for women. And, we know Jesus’ brother, most likely next in line, was James (not James of the 12 apostles), but He chose the young disciple John. (No one knows for sure when Joseph died, but it is entirely possible, that as the oldest son, the Lord might have even had to support the family until the younger ones were old enough to be out on their own.)
The Lord “truly knew” what He was doing. Jesus did not live according to the human carnal nature we are all born with.
It might be startling to some, but when Jesus came as a human, He was born with a “carnal nature” like us (Hebrews 2:18). Thankfully, He ruled over it and it never was able to get Him to sin. And the Lord was not living in His own strength. Even though He was the Christ, He depended on the Father, how much more must we do so also. We have a tendency to all want to be self-sufficient and self-confident. How much greater it is, to be God-sufficient and God-confident. By that I mean to be like the Jesus. He looked for and depended on the guidance of the Father through the Holy Spirit and knew who He was in God’s value. It was not in His physical appearance or social position or how great a carpenter or minister He was. It was that He knew the Father loved Him and fearfully and wonderfully made Him in Mary’s womb, just as we are each made special and loved by God too. Jesus knew He was unique to God’s special plan for His life and that He came to be the best Jesus and Messiah He could be. The Lord had to “start out as” and “be taken care of” as a baby, obey His earthly parents, deal with siblings and relatives, learn in school, learn to work and become the man who would become the ultimate Rabbi. In all His life, He never broke union with the Father by committing a sin.
When mankind fell in the Garden that day, they lost so much for themselves and all their descendants.
We, as mankind, lost our unity with God, as spiritual death came (Genesis 2:17). In an instant, they each became separate from God when they disobeyed the Father. We are not born into happy harmony with God any more. We are born separated. To make our way out of sin and back into the joyous life of harmony with God, we must choose to do so (through Christ). Can you imagine the price-tag of sin, corporately and individually? Jesus made the way for us to be able to have the great life that the Father desires for each of us, but we have to follow Him there!
The basic biblical definition of “blessed” is “happy.” Imagine how some of the verses that say “blessed” would sound if they said “happy.” Additionally, in the biblical definition of blessed along with happy, is fortunate, prosperous and enviable!
Scripture will follow with commentary, to help us see and understand having the abundant life and real happiness that God wants for us.
Both the New King James Version and the Amplified Version will be used.
- Psalms 1:1-2 (AMP) Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. 2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.
Happy (and more) is the one who does not disregard God nor go the way of the lost and the fallen (carnal) nature, following after them and hanging out among them. Rather, this one takes delight in knowing the wisdom and ways of God, keeping centered on the Lord and what He wants for us.
- Psalms 34:8 (AMP) O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.
There are three parts to all of us, physical, mental and spiritual. All three are intrinsic to being alive and require action on our parts. We can advance or decline in any of these areas. Oftentimes, we think of the physical part of us the most because it is always demanding, but the mind and spirit must be fed and strengthened too. When we take refuge in the Lord and His strength, we have great benefit. He feeds us with the living bread of true life and living water that satisfies the spiritual inner-man like nothing else can do. When we draw close to God, get in prayer and alone time with Him, listen for His voice and direction, read and study His Word, praise and adore Him, oh how we are fed and strengthened.
- Proverbs 3:18 (AMP) (of wisdom) She is a tree of life to those who lay hold on her; and happy (blessed, fortunate, to be envied) is everyone who holds her fast.
Most of us know from 1 John 4:8, that God is love. But He is also wisdom. King Solomon described wisdom in the feminine gender because wisdom gives birth. She births life. How can God be feminine? Together “we” were created in His image, both male and female. God is wisdom, He is all knowledge and He is all sense.
Wisdom really is a tree of life. Wisdom gives birth to peace and order. Wisdom brings understanding with her. There is no end to the benefits of wisdom. God makes the simple wise! In Him, we can learn and have wisdom. The Lord took me and countless others, in our brokenness and mess, and brought wisdom and order. He made something beautiful out of my mess when I gave it to Him and put Him in charge. With His wisdom, He takes us from the miry pit and puts us on on solid ground. When we hold on to the Lord and His wisdom, we have abundant life!
The next verses, to those of the world, might seem quite strange or impossible.
- Matthew 5:3 (NKJV) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
As the Amplified Version breaks the words down deeper, let us consider the same verse in it, as it emphasizes the real meaning of “blessed.”
- Matthew 5:3 (AMP) "Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous— with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!"
The real winners of life, the ones who have the abundant life, are the spiritually prosperous, who have salvation and God’s favor, no matter how good or bad their circumstances seem at the time, are the poor in spirit, meaning humble! Those that “humble themselves” before God and elevate others ahead of themselves, (who are not full of self and pride), but rather are in-dwelled by the Holy Spirit and His attributes, these have the kingdom of heaven! As we are already citizens of the kingdom of heaven, the curse and bondage of sin are broken from us and the benefits begin here.
- Matthew 5:4 (NKJV) “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
- Matthew 5:4 (AMP) "Blessed an' d enviably happy [with a happiness produced by the experience of God's favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His matchless grace] are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted!"
Happy are those who mourn? Well, it is more likely saying how fortunate are those who mourn in the Lord, repenting from their sin and wicked ways, and discover the incomparable mercy and grace of God! To find true life, the first beatitude is humility, the second is repentance. While this verse is often used at funerals, it is not really a “funeral Scripture.” With this “repentance” when “one dies to self,” they find “true life.” When we are saved, we repent and give up the carnal nature and become born-again (in the spirit) into the divine nature that was lost at the fall in the Garden of Eden. We find the comfort and peace of God when we turn from self-lordship to His lordship, resulting not only in relief, but the most wonderful life possible!
- Matthew 5:5 (NKJV) “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
- Matthew 5:5 (AMP) "Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous— with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth!"
One day, this earth and its universe will pass and there will be a new earth. And the place that Jesus went to prepare for us, the heavenly New Jerusalem, will come down upon the new earth and it will be like nothing else! This is one possible meaning. There is also another possible meaning that is a little deeper. When Adam sinned, the authority they had over this earth, was lost to the devil. Both Adam and Eve chose to listen to the wrong voices instead of the voice of God (Eve to the devil, Adam to Eve after she fell into sin). Praise God, Jesus took the authority back from the devil. When it looked the worst at the cross, when the devil thought he was crushing the Lord, it was just the opposite. Jesus’ sacrifice made the way to have the authority back. Through Jesus, we can be spiritually born-again, with a godly nature and leave the old carnal one behind. When the Lord was crucified, many lost faith in Him, as they wanted Him to be the kind of Messiah that would free them from the Romans, but instead, He sacrificially gave Himself as the meek, Passover Lamb of God. Oftentimes, when we do not return evil for evil, we look like meek lambs. But therein is the power and victory. We win when we hold fast and do not succumb to returning hate. We can do like the Lord did on the cross and even pray for those who do us wrong, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” The meek in Christ win, and do inherit the earth.
- Matthew 5:6 (NKJV) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
- Matthew 5:6 (AMP) "Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied!"
This is exciting! All people “hunger and thirst” for various things and because of it, they seek to satisfy those desires. As Christians, we hunger and thirst for God and His goodness. The Holy Spirit guides us to be humble, to repent, die to self and love others, seek God and His righteousness, and to be filled and satisfied by Him! Sometimes we have to stop, pause and take the time to realize the benefits we have from being God’s children, loving Him and keeping Him first in our hearts and lives. When we have the Lord as the true Lord in our hearts and lives, there is great reward, not just eternally, but now also!
- Matthew 5:7 (NKJV) “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
- Matthew 5:7 (AMP) "Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous— with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy!"
This mercy is grace! We get it from God and we pass it on. Those who do not pass it on, burn out like a star. The One who forgave us, says we have to forgive others. That our debt to Him was huge and when we do not forgive others their debts to us, that our pardon is revoked (Matthew 18:23-35). Grace is God’s love in action. We are to love others as He has loved us. The merciful ones obtain and keep His mercy when they pass it on. They find what real love means and have all the benefits that come with it!
- Matthew 5:8 (NKJV) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
- Matthew 5:8 (AMP) "Blessed (happy, enviably fortunate, and spiritually prosperous—possessing the happiness produced by the experience of God's favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward conditions) are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!"
It just keeps getting better! When one has a pure heart, it is a reflection of one’s Father. Not only will one see God for eternity, but one will have the best relationship with Him possible! This comes from dying to self and living out one’s faith. Here are the beatitudes from the beginning so far: being humble and repenting, dying to self by being meek, hungering and thirsting after God, including His goodness and ways, opening the door to being filled with Him. By not only receiving His mercy, but in passing it on. In growing in God like this, one really starts to see Him for who He is and it is reflected by in the person and seen as pure in heart. All these things are the fruit of the Spirit, the evidence of a living faith and bring a kind of happiness that is incomparable.
- Matthew 5:9 (NKJV) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
- Matthew 5:9 (AMP) "Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous — with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!"
This is not easy! To be a peacemaker and a maintainer of peace, also makes one a target of the disgruntled ones. Without growing in Christ to this point, I propose that it is next to impossible to do this correctly. If one ever needs the direction and power of the Holy Spirit, it is when making a stand for what is right and trying to invoke harmony. If one has grown to this point and does it with the Lord’s direction, there is a huge peace in knowing one did what they could.
- Matthew 5:10 (NKJV) “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
- Matthew 5:10 (AMP) "Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!"
The apostle Stephen comes to mind (Acts 7:54-60). He prayed for those who wrongfully persecuted him and stoned him to death. Many Christians are persecuted where their life is not taken, but it is never easy being persecuted. One has to take comfort that when one is being persecuted for doing or standing for righteousness’ sake, that it is exactly what is happening. It is better to stand and be persecuted for such, than to back down or even be praised for the opposite. It is an honor whether one realizes it at the time or not. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake that they were doing something right, even at a cost. God never lets that go unrewarded. Those that handle persecution for righteousness’ sake with a good heart, will be rewarded according to the Lord’s measure! This is a comfort!
- Matthew 5:11 (NKJV) “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.”
- Matthew 5:11 (AMP) "Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous — with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account."
Sometimes people look at this verse and the preceding one, and leave out “for righteousness’ sake” and/or “for the Lord’s sake.” These verses do not apply to just any kind of persecution or being reviled and falsely accused. The Lord will not let suffering for righteousness’ sake and His name sake, go without eternal reward. There is also a special kind of reward in this lifetime for those that handle it correctly, something that cannot be seen with human eyes. There is a deeper closeness with the Lord that comes, an increase of His presence and a certain kind of spiritual “glory” that happens. This is not referring to a human kind of “prideful” glory, but a humble kind, letting one know that the Father is pleased and honors you in a way no one else can know or understand.
- Matthew 5:12 (NKJV) “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
- Matthew 5:12 (AMP) "Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you."
It may not seem like it at the time, because one is having to personally endure attack, but one can be glad and even rejoice to be counted worthy to join in with those who were persecuted in the faith before us. God takes these matters seriously. And for those suffering for His sake, great is the reward. For those that do the persecuting, unless they repent, great is also what they will reap in the negative.
- James 1:12 (AMP) Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.
Another verse comes to mind in regard to this one. Jesus said, “By your patience possess your souls” (Luke 21:19). Not all trials are quick. Many require much prayer and patience. But we know that when we endure and finish the task correctly, that the Lord has eternal reward, for those who love Him and persevere. There is joy in doing the right thing. No repenting is required later and there is a deep satisfaction that is priceless.
- Revelation 20:6 (AMP) Blessed (happy, to be envied) and holy (spiritually whole, of unimpaired innocence and proved virtue) is the person who takes part (shares) in the first resurrection! Over them the second death exerts no power or authority, but they shall be ministers of God and of Christ (the Messiah), and they shall rule along with Him a thousand years.
How wonderful and comforting this is. The first resurrection is the rapture. Those who precede the ones who will be alive at the time of the rapture, will take part in it, as well as those alive. Those who previously died in Christ, will come in spirit (form) with the Lord at the rapture (1 Thessalonians 3:13) and when their remains are changed from corruptible to incorruptible it will be at the same moment as those who will be alive (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The second resurrection is at the Great White Throne of Judgment when the dead (not in Christ, but who died in their own sins) are brought forth. The benefits of being a faithful child of God are beyond measure.
There is a saying that says, “be born once, die twice – be born twice, die once.” When we are born-again (spiritually), the only thing that will ever die afterward is our bodies. For those who insist on self-rule and refuse God, they will die first in their physical bodies and later have to face the “second death.” The second death is the eternal damnation that comes after the Great White Throne of Judgment. Those that choose the Lord and His lordship, will never have to endure the second death but will rule and reign with the Lord for 1000 years and even spend eternity with Him.
Consider these verses about the cost of not heeding the voice of God.
- Proverbs 19:3 (AMP) The foolishness of man subverts his way [ruins his affairs]; then his heart is resentful and frets against the Lord.
The people who blame God are some of the most miserable people on earth. And there is a reason they blame and resent the Lord. They do so because of rebellious hearts that subverts their ways. Their hearts are their own ruin. It is a sad thing.
- Proverbs 19:8-9 (AMP) He who gains wisdom loves his own life; he who keeps understanding shall prosper and find good. 9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he who breathes forth lies shall perish.
Those who lie will not go unpunished. They will even perish eternally. Liars are an amazing lot. They eventually seer their consciences so much, that they think nothing of telling more lies to perpetuate whatever their agenda is. When they think they have gotten away with something, they do not realize it but their “victory is hollow.” They have no idea what they are even missing and their end will be eternal damnation; liars do not go to heaven but will face the second death (Revelation 21:8,27; 22:15).
- Proverbs 29:11 (AMP) A [self-confident] fool utters all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and stills it.
The writer of Proverbs, King Solomon wrote many times about people being “self-confident” as in this proverb. He is referring to the kind of self-confident that is in opposition to being “God-confident.” Solomon knew Who blessed him. He knew God was the ultimate source. The wise man, who has the fruit of the Spirit actively working as “patience” in his life is the direct opposite of the person who is “self and anger driven.” The godly one is so blessed and the ungodly one is owned by sin. How happy is the one who is no longer in bondage to sin.
- Proverbs 24:9 (AMP) The plans of the foolish and the thought of foolishness are sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men.
A life where sin is in rule is not a happy life. There will be mistake after mistake and it will all be costly. Even the scoffer is a disgusting to others.
- Haggai 1:5-7 (AMP) Now therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways and set your mind on what has come to you. 6 You have sown much, but you have reaped little; you eat, but you do not have enough; you drink, but you do not have your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages has earned them to put them in a bag with holes in it. 7 Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways (your previous and present conduct) and how you have fared.”
Another verse comes to mind here. “Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice” (Proverbs 16:8). The ungodly one may not even realize what they are missing out on. The one who honors God in their ways who may not have a lot, but what they have is blessed by God. They are God-dependent and know He takes care of them. How sweet is that one’s peace.
- Jeremiah 2:11-13 (NKJV) “But My people have changed for what does not profit. 12 Be astonished, O heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid; be very desolate," says the Lord. 13 "For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns--broken cisterns that can hold no water.”
It is a sad thing when people who should know better, seek the world, instead of the kingdom of heaven. They are forsaking the One who loves them and given all possible for them and foolishly throwing it all away. The world cannot provide true living water and the “worldly water” that one finds there, will leak out. Who is the blessed one, but the one who knows and stays dependent on and true to their God.
- Psalms 73:12-28 (AMP) Behold, these are the ungodly, who always prosper and are at ease in the world; they increase in riches. 13 Surely then in vain have I cleansed my heart and washed my hands in innocency. 14 For all the day long have I been smitten and plagued, and chastened every morning. 15 Had I spoken thus [and given expression to my feelings], I would have been untrue and have dealt treacherously against the generation of Your children. 16 But when I considered how to understand this, it was too great an effort for me and too painful 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood [for I considered] their end. 18 [After all] You do set the [wicked] in slippery places; You cast them down to ruin and destruction. 19 How they become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors! 20 As a dream [which seems real] until one awakens, so, O Lord, when You arouse Yourself [to take note of the wicked], You will despise their outward show. 21 For my heart was grieved, embittered, and in a state of ferment, and I was pricked in my heart [as with the sharp fang of an adder]. 22 So foolish, stupid, and brutish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. 23 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You do hold my right hand. 24 You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honor and glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight or desire on earth besides You. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever. 27 For behold, those who are far from You shall perish; You will destroy all who are false to You and like [spiritual] harlots depart from You. 28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.
Who has not looked at the wicked ones seeing them prospering and getting away with doing wicked things? Who has not felt like Asaph did as he recorded here of how it seems so unfair? Notice though, that when he humbly cried out to the Lord about it, Asaph got revelation. “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood [for I considered] their end” (verse 17). The wicked that seem to be prospering, are only appearing to be prospering. How many times does one see “the rich and famous” committing suicide? Real and lasting happiness cannot be bought with riches and does not merely come from fame. Real peace and joy come from having a right relationship with God.
- Proverbs 14:7-9 (AMP) Go from the presence of a foolish and self-confident man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips. 8 The wisdom [godly wisdom, which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of [self-confident] fools is to deceive. 9 Fools make a mock of sin and sin mocks the fools [who are its victims; a sin offering made by them only mocks them, bringing them disappointment and disfavor], but among the upright there is the favor of God.
We need to stop and consider the lives of the ungodly, not just in segments, but their whole life spans. When we do, we see that foolishness and ungodliness is expensive. We see them making expensive mistakes, that not only cost them, but their descendants. We see them falling for the lies and temptations of the devil over and over. The glamour that some have, does not last and gives way to sadness and despair. If we want to be truly wise and blessed, we need the direction and wisdom of God. We do not need to be self-confident but God-confident. What is the end of a self-confident person in this world without God? They will seem to prosper but their prosperity will be short lived as their follies ultimately become their demise. The God-confident ones know that God is directing their lives as they are in submission to Him and trust in Him, with the wonderful benefit of peace, even when things seem to go wrong.
In summation, true Christians are blessed. The Lord’s children who are God-dependent and God-confident, have peace, joy, daily strength (with the option for more if needed) and the fruit of having the Holy Spirit dwelling in and directing us, resulting in a wonderful life. The benefits are without measure. The fruit of the Spirit (characteristics of God found in His true children) are attributes that bless everyone. Love heals and brings comfort and happiness (hatred of others is unpleasant, brings hurt and prevents healing). Patience brings peace and strength (impatience bring frustration and error). People are who thankful are not only happy, but a joy to be around (the unthankful, grumble and murmur and no one wants to be around them). People committed to telling the truth can be counted on (those who don’t, not even other liars trust them). Wisdom brings life and sense (foolishness brings stupidity and expensive cost). Gentleness and meekness have the door open for grace and are pleasant to others (pride and selfishness hold anyone back and keep those who have them deaf to reality and others).
It is important to note that there are some who came to Christ, but never really grew in Him and still consider themselves to be Christians. The measure of peace and joy they have is not much. They wind up having a form of religion without a true relationship with the One they profess to know. Many of these trip over the stumbling-blocks of not sharing forgiveness and grace; resulting in becoming bitter and hypocritical. There is a huge danger in receiving from blessing from God and not passing it on
We, as Christians, have it all available to us! From the first beatitude to the last! Christians face hard times but not in their own wisdom or strength. This is when we rely on Father God even more. Real peace, true joy and abundant life are only found in the Lord and living a life unto and in Him. A life without Him cannot compare. What do the wicked have? There is no comparison!
THE STEPS TO AN ABUNDANT LIFE
Copyright © 2019 E. Cockrell May be used for personal study or instruction but shall not be copied and/or distributed in whole or part without permission or for financial profit.
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