Transcript:

Hello, this is Pastor Don of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to The Kingdom Perspective.

Happiness comes not from stopping the troubles of life, but only from strengthening yourself against them. This strengthening can only come by sinking our roots daily into the rich soil of God’s Word.

The Bible commands us to be steadfast. We should not be like a boat that is tossed to and fro by every wind of panic or every whim of pleasure. Rather, we should be a tree rooted in the Word of God—the shoots of our faith sinking our hopes and desire deep into the soil of our Savior’s promises.

This is where true happiness is found, and this is why the Psalmist calls such a man “blessed”. By “blessed”, he means one that is happy—someone that is fulfilled; one that has deep soul satisfaction. Listen to Psalm 1:

1 Blessed is the man

who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree

planted by streams of water

that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Ultimately, deep and steady happiness comes neither from wisdom within us nor from worldly advice somewhere out there. Rather, it comes from the blessing of God. And that blessing can only come through feasting on his Word.

Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective.

“Deal bountifully with your servant,

that I may live and keep your word.

Open my eyes, that I may behold

wondrous things out of your law.

I am a sojourner on the earth;

hide not your commandments from me!

My soul is consumed with longing

for your rules at all times.

You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,

who wander from your commandments.

Take away from me scorn and contempt,

for I have kept your testimonies.

Even though princes sit plotting against me,

your servant will meditate on your statutes.

Your testimonies are my delight;

they are my counselors.”

~ Psalm 119:17-24 (ESV)