relationships (Psalm 128:1-6) Finding True Happiness

(Psalm 128:1-6) 

1   Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
     Who walks in His ways.
2   When you eat the fruit of the labor of your hands,
     You will be happy and it will go well for you.
3   Your wife will be like a fruitful vine 
     Within your house,
     Your children like olive plants 
     Around your table.
4   Behold, for so shall a man 
     Who fears the Lord be blessed.

5   The Lord bless you from Zion,
     And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
6   Indeed, may you see your children’s children.
     Peace be upon Israel!

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Our society puts a lot of emphasis on being "happy".  In order to be happy, most people expect that OTHER people need to be doing the right things in order to make that happen for them.  Therefore, there are many unhappy, unfulfilled people, because it doesn't work like that, since no one is perfect or able... not in the world and not in Christianity.  The exception in Christianity, is that the Lord wants to do this FOR us, and He is the only one who is able.

A common misconception, though, is that becoming a Christian means everything should then be perfect and easy.  Well - not until we reach heaven!  Until then, here are some things to put into practice, because again, the Lord wants to help us in this and so He gives us guidance towards a happy life.  And since this chapter is speaking specifically to husbands, let's address that first.  Notice that the husband/father is the spiritual leader in the family - meaning - he is the leading example, putting into practice the things that are taught.  

A husband and/or father should have the humble heart of a servant who depends on the Lord for his strength, wisdom and peace.  Within the family dynamic, when the head of the household is being Christ-like, it is so much easier, as well as very inspiring, for the others to do the same.  This should be applied to all believers.  We cannot depend on others to make us "happy" and bring blessings to us.  While someone else might be an example for us to follow, this means that we are to do the same.  What we do in life can bring blessings to us and others as well.  

We also need to understand that "prosperity" does not necessarily mean financial wealth.  There is a difference between needs and wants.  When we are faithful, God is faithful to see to our needs.  And sometimes - often - He gives us what we want.  Being fruitful is not just about our physical "success", it is very much spiritual.  Even in those times when I lived at poverty level, because of God's provisions and faithfulness, I felt overwhelmingly blessed, "rich", content, thankful, joyful and at peace.  Being fruitful can also be about how we are contributing to the building up of God's kingdom, which is a whole other level of blessings and joy! 

Verses 1 and 2 lays it out very nicely and succinctly.  In order to obtain inner peace, blessings, happiness and "prosperity", we need to:

- "fear" (respect, worship and trust) the Lord in all things

- walk in "His ways"(being obedient in God's will, because we want to, not have to)

- labor (in whatever job or task God calls us to do, and work to provide)

- with a humble, servant heart, nurture, encourage, serve and care for those around us

- enjoy the fruit of our labor, being thankful for and in all things (we will enjoy some rewards here, and some will be waiting for us in heaven)

Besides creating us to have a close relationship with Him, God created us with a purpose to serve Him and others.  And He created and equipped us to enjoy working, so that we can enjoy the fruit of our labor.  All the while, fearing the Lord and walking in His ways will build a stronger relationship with Him, which will bring us closer to those around us.