Blessed or Happy?
Psalm 1 starts "Blessed is the man who ...." When I think about blessing, what comes to mind; wealth, health, popularity, safety, food, relationships, etc? As you think on the words "Blessing" or "Blessed" you may begin to realise that in fact, outside of a church service, that these words are not used much nowadays. And as I think about it further, I am inclined to conclude that the desire for "blessings" (or being "Blessed") has generally been surplanted by the pursuit of "Happiness".
When looking at the straight definitions of being blessed or being happy, the later would appear to be simply a more modern word for the former one. In fact, the Amplified Bible reads as follows, "Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who....." So way does this pursuit of happiness trouble me?
Firstly, I don't believe that we should be miserable, in fact we are told to "rejoice in the Lord always" (Ps 33:1, 97:13, Joe 2:23, Php 3:1), and then in case you didn't hear properly, Philippians 4:4 not only tells us to rejoice ALWAYS, but in the same sentence tells us twice to "rejoice". Besides the many examples of the Old Testament saints, we also have those of the early Church who "did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart" (Acts 2:46). Furthermore, since the beginning of time, God has only wanted what was good, no actually what was VERY good for us. If you doubt this, just look at the effort He put into creation, noting how often the word "good" is used in the first chapter of Genesis. Of course the value and beauty and detail of His creation pales into insignificance when compared against the plan and price that He determined for our salvation.
Back to the "Blessed" vs "Happy" debate. While the words appear to be the same, to me they actually have quiet different foundations and therefore very different outcomes. Firstly when I think of a blessing, I think of something good that is imparted from one person to another. Furthermore the word has a very close association with the concept of God and (in the New Testament era) the Church. In short, as a believer I am blessed because of God's goodness that He pours out on my life. It is not something that I strive for but rather that I receive because of Him. The resulting joy and fulfillment is not as a result of my self-sufficiency but rather that of my totally dependency on Jehovah.
Modern (or should I be more specific? Modern, first-world) happiness on the other hand appears to be based on what I can get or achieve out of life or others. Happiness for many appears to be linked to the sort of job they have, the car they drive, where they live or how many friends they have. How different is this to the attitude of our Lord who for the "joy that was set before Him, endured the cross [and despised] the shame" (Hebrews 12:2). His Joy, His Happiness, His Blessing was in doing the will of His father, and in being willing to sow his temporal life into God's will and plan for Him. In so doing He has reaped eternal victory, joy and reward, not only for Himself but for all those who believe on His name (Isaiah 53).
The more mankind strives for happiness the more unfulfilled he seems to be but as he surrenders to God, true contented and lasting happiness results. Flowing out of the blessings that God pours on his life, he begins to experience the peace of God "that passes all understanding" (Philippians 4:7), energy and strength that never fails (Isaiah 40:31) and hope that is eternal (2 Corinthians 5:1).
In short, happiness derived from our own efforts or work is short-lived and unfulfilling where as the fruit resulting from God's blessing on our lives i.e. its resulting happiness, is eternal, carrying us though any trial or tribulation that might cross our path.
Psalm 1
- Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.
- But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law does he meditate day and night.
- And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.
All we need to do is rest in Him, submitting ourselves to His word and direction in our lives.