Happy, Happy

TITLE: Happy Happy
DATE: May 23, 2019
TEXT: Psalm 84:10 - (ESV) - 0 For a day in your courts is better
          than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Years ago, a retired member of the ministry told me about how things were during the depression. In spite of terribly tough times, he shared a special, and precious memory.

The pastor spoke of how he had met a fellow who had, through no fault of his own, become a hobo. This hobo had come to him offering to trade a day's work for a hot meal.

It was an equitable arrangement and the man perfectly performed everything he was asked to do. He even did his work with a smile and some happy humming.

As they sat down to dinner, the pastor made some small talk. He asked bout about the hobo’s birthplace his family. Then he asked the man, "Don't you think you would be happier if you were rich?" The man said, "No, sir, the rich men I’ve worked for never seem to do any laughing.”

Now, the point of the story is not to encourage people to yearn for poverty.

As near as I can tell, having too little money can be just as bad and upsetting as having too much.
No, I would rather have you consider the idea that: money doesn't always bring happiness.
The truth is, money is simply a commodity, a commodity which can either be used or abused.

True happiness, the happiness which remains no matter our outward situation, comes from the Savior. I’m pleased to share a great many, a great majority of Christians are firmly convinced the presence of the loving Lord Jesus  has totally changed their outlook and their perspective on life.

How could it be otherwise?

Before Jesus they were lost, doomed and damned.

With Jesus as their Savior, they are forgiven

They have been blessed with ongoing  peace and are promised an eternity bereft of pain or problem.

Indeed, some of those Christians would go so far as to say: Jesus has given their lives true riches. Those true riches which come from the Savior, lead to true joy and, yes, true smiles.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the reminder that Your love and presence in my life are far more valuable than money or things material.  Draw me closer to You, dear Lord, and let me rejoice in that closeness. In Your Name. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html