People may deceive themselves into believing they’re truly happy, often associating happiness with personal wealth. Some might believe that materialistic gains is the key to power and satisfaction. It might become an obessession of sorts…or a goal to erect and obtain great wealth. They could be laboring under a misapprehension in embracing this goal, which subsequently can become a wheel of deceit.
For example, they might not be happy unless they amass great wealth, (and there is nothing wrong with being successful if God blessed you with it ) but inherently, they may still be unhappy because they didn’t acheive more. Thus, the “wheel of deceit” and self defeat in terms of “spiritual” gains, or lack thereof.
There is a name that means prosperity, and God Himself used it in Deuteronomy– The name was “Jeshurun.” The Hebrew prime of Jeshurun, means “prosperous.” The people were “happy yet ignorant” of God’s divine plan, or turned from His salvation, if you will.
“But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thcik, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook GOD which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.” (Deuteronomy 32:13)
They deceived themselves into believing they were happy. Throughout the Bible, most notably in the Old Testament, people walked in their “own ways” and not in the ways of God. In fact, so many places in the scriptures tell that exact story. When Israel prospered, they forgot all about God and His salvation. They turned to other gods and idols turning their back on the only one true Living God.
Which brings us to current times. It’s no different. There are some who like to boast about “their successes.” Talking vanity, saying, “look and see what I did and accomplished with my own mind and hands” giving no credence or thanks to God for their success. However, when adversity rears it’s ugly head that’s when they bring God into the equation… they blame Him, “Why did God to this to me?”
God is a faithful and loving God. Provoking God and blaming Him for things that have gone wrong could be a dangerous road to journey down. God wants to be there for us, in fact He is…but some of us might continuously turn Him away. Seeking artificial and temporal things of this world to fill a void of emptiness within. There is only one who can fulfill us with a powerful surge that is ever lasting and bring pure joy and happiness exponentially.
Again, there is nothing wrong with being wealthy as a result of God’s blessings. Of course, God ulimately wants to bless us in all aspects of our life. And ,by obeying Him and walking in His laws is primarily one of the pristine exapmples of such. Just don’t leave God our of your life and expect to be happy. Jesus instructed us in the beautiful sermon on the mount as to how to embrace and find happiness.
(Matthew 5:1 – 2 ) “And seeing the multitudes. he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, His disciples came unto Him. And, he opened his mouth, and taught them saying…”
How fortunate the people sitting there hearing these beautiful words coming of of the mouth of the Master! Can you grasp that for one moment? Wow! What a moment in time to be passed down throughout the ages for all the generations to hear! Amen,
(Matthew 5:3) “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kindgom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
Blessed can be translated to “how happy” and “how happy” indeed are the humble, for the Kingdom of Heaven is open to those who will…
(Matthew 5:5-6) “Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth, blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.”
How happy are the meek? How happy are those who hunger and thirst for the Word of God? — for they shall be filled. You know the famine in the end days is for the “Word of God” — and those who are faithful shall not lack but will be filled…satiated completely.
True happiness certainly can be acheived, and that would not be the kind that is associated with “wordly” possession that will rust, rot, and fade away. No, God is referring to bulding our treasures in Heaven not on earth. When we seek first His Kingdom, all things will be added unto us.
When we please God by putting Him first, seeking Him, trusting Him, yearning for Him, and surrendering to His will…we’ll be blessed and experience the ultimate true happiness that our Father wishes for us to have…
“Father how thankful we are for your Word and Your promises, we know Your plans and Your goals are to enable us to acheive true happiness and peace, all within Your loving and gentle hands, which guide, lead and touch us, praise Your Holy and precious name, Father, in Jesus name I pray… Amen.”
