Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Psalm, Psalm 146                     

Psalm 146

Many people, in fact I would venture the great majority of people in the world live with this as their philosophy: “The goal of life is to be happy.” While that sounds well enough and certainly to be happy is a wonderful thing, we all know the fleeting nature of happiness. Happiness as defined by the world’s standards, that is. Even the Dalai Lama has been quoted as saying happiness is to be the primary pursuit of life.

Happiness in the world’s scheme is having your bills paid, having food in the cupboard, clothes on the back, health, vigor, and enough extra cash to live outside the bounds of working 40 or more hours a week. At least once in a while. Again, not a bad situation if this life is all there is. But the Christian knows a different reality. Here is happiness to a follower of the inspired Scriptures:

“Happy is he who has the God Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God ….” (Psalm 146: 5, NKJV).

The text goes on to describe the power and goodness of the God whose book this is. And the light which this psalm shines on Him brings joy to the heart just in the reading. The Bible is clear. Happiness or blessedness, as some translations have it, is found in a person. Jesus says it this way in the gospel through John: “And this is eternal life,that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). It is the same sentiment that Psalm 146 displays. Knowing God, knowing His Son is true happiness. It’s not built around money, achievement, degrees, or how many vehicles are in the garage. Happiness is in knowing the living God, loving Him, and most importantly, being loved by Him.