God’s path to happiness is:
- Through a broken spirit that acknowledges how bankrupt and inherently sinful one is and desperately in need of the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Through a deep mourning over the depth of sinfulness that exists in one’s own self in light of the absolute holiness of God.
Just as Christ describes the tax collector saying, “But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’” - Through being a gentle, meek, and humble individual because of the grace given even though judgment and condemnation are deserved.
- Through a real hunger and thirst for righteousness. Not a self-righteousness but a strong desire to love what God loves and hate what God hates. A striving not to live a mixed life showing an affection for the things of this world and the things of Christ.
Those two cannot mix for Paul says, “what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial?” - Through mercy. When a person receives the mercy of God, the obvious response is to be merciful. Mercy is not getting what one deserves, and when on has a real encounter with the living God, they too respond to others that don’t deserve their mercy but freely give it.
- Through a heart that has been purified. The pure in heart are the ones who have their affections set on the creator and sustainer of all that exist. They are not without sin but the desire is to sin no more.
They strive to be named among those like King David which God said, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My will.” - Through those who make peace. There is a difference between peace keepers and peace makers. Peace makers strive to be at peace with everyone, even after being offended or hurt, as much as it is up to them. There is not the vengeance approach nor the holding of grudges because neither of those make peace. They leave the judgment to God and trust that the Lord of the earth will do right.
As Paul has said, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” - Through persecution for striving after righteousness. They endure the hardships to stand for what the Lord has called good and stand in opposition of what He has declared as evil, and they patiently endure the ill treatment because they know their is a better place where justice rules and joy is unceasing.
As the writer of Hebrews remind us, “For you showed sympathy to the prisoners (those who were imprisoned for Christ) and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one.” - Through insults and persecutions because of their allegiance and faith in Jesus Christ. They are the ones who understand that Jesus is infinitely worth more than anything or anyone or any circumstance this world has to offer. The willingness to be hated because of the animosity towards Christ and His righteousness comes from knowing intimately how precious Christ is.
As Paul stated, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to DEPART AND BE WITH CHRIST, FOR THAT IS VERY MUCH BETTER”
God’s path to happiness offers:
The kingdom of heaven, comfort, a new earth, infinite satisfaction, mercy, seeing the face of God (wow), being called sons of God (co-heirs with Christ), and an infinitely great reward in heaven, namely God Himself.
This world, this life, and the things here cannot compete when you have the Almighty God in the face of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, who offers an endless amount of joy and pleasure.
As David says, “You will make known to me the path of life; in your presence is the fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Narrow is the way but glorious is the destination. Stay on the path.