Hidden Treasures #4-Happiness

Hidden Treasures #4-Happiness

Happiness is something everyone longs for. In fact, a temporal happiness is being offered to us every day by financial experts, the obtaining of material possessions, finding ourselves, and extreme adventures. It is held out to us like a carrot on a string, desiring but, difficult to reach. Though these pursuits have some value and positive aspects, let’s look at one of the enduring ways that the Lord offers us True Happiness.

Where Can We Find Happiness?

** Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. ** Proverbs 3:13-18

**Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom.**

These verses tell us that happiness is not found by seeking financially security or self-exploration. It cannot be found in the many material things that we possess. Nor can we find lasting happiness from traveling the world or climbing the highest mountain. But, this portion of Scripture tell us that happiness flows from godly wisdom, wisdom that draws us closer to the Lord and a deeper understanding of Him and those around us. Godly wisdom lovingly encourages us to walk closer to Him and to seek Him in every moment, creating an enduring and genuine happiness.

What is Wisdom?

Yet, wisdom is more than accumulating knowledge and information about God. It is learning how to apply and lovingly demonstrate godly principles. Wisdom also gives us insight into the heart of God and how we can share Him with others. It leads us to respond to life and all of its challenges with compassion, grace and mercy, and forgiveness, just like Jesus demonstrated in His daily, earthly life.

Today, as we face challenges or choices in our day, we can turn to His Word for direction, His promises to increase our faith, and His presence to find courage and strength. Even if all we can manage today is to be a little kinder, a little more patient, or a little more faithful than we were yesterday — that is wisdom guiding us to godliness.

If we think about Jesus in the gospels, we remember that He took the time to pray and ask the Father what to do in every thing He did. Whether it was spending hours in prayer each night, or silent prayer in the middle of confrontations or dealing with individual people, He always took a moment to breathe, pray and seek the Father for guidance. He was also able to shut out the noise around Him, and think about what He knew about the Scriptures and about the heart of the Father. He may have asked himself, what would my Father want me to do? What would He want me to say? What do the Scriptures say that will help me to respond well right now?

I imagine that Jesus was sifting and looking for something from the Father’s Hand in Israel’s history that helped Him deal with His present situation. Perhaps when He was faced with feeding 5000 people, He thought of Ruth and her need to feed Naomi and herself when they had no money. Or maybe He thought about the manna that the Lord sent to feed the entire nation of Israel in the wilderness. Remembering these two situations or others, Jesus reminded himself that the Lord could feed one family or thousands of families easily. Based on what He knew that the Father had already done, He could deal with His current situation and know that the Father would respond to His present need as well.

Jesus’ example helps us to see that the Word of God can make a greater impact in us also and in others when it is bathed in prayer. Prayer helps us to face every life situation with the Lord’s response to it and not just our own. Every moment presented in prayer to the King of Kings will bring us greater peace, confidence and clarity on what to wisely do.

**Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God**. Ps 146.

So how do we begin walking this path of wisdom and lasting happiness? It starts with simple, intentional steps:

1. Spend time in Scripture — not just reading, but asking: What does this teach me about God’s character and priorities? How can I live this out today?
2. Pray continually — turn our thoughts into conversations with God. Tell Him our worries, our gratitude, our doubts, our hopes, and our needs. And, ask Him to remind us of what we have learned in order to manifest it daily.
3. Examine our faith honestly — Do we believe God is who He says He is? Do we trust that He truly cares for us, that He’s working for our good, and that His ways lead to life of Happiness? Do we really want Him to guide our every step and have the greatest influence in our lives?

These aren’t easy questions, but they are necessary ones. And it’s okay, if in our honest reflection, we realize that there’s room to grow. That’s the beauty of this walk with God — He meets us where we are and lovingly leads us on the path in front of us that brings us closer to Him. We can take baby steps forward, testing our faith and His faithfulness. Examining where we are on a regular basis and responding to His leading will bring us more often to a place of lasting happiness and wisdom.

So, our job is to work on these three areas: biblical influence, prayer and examining where we are in our faith in God. We can spend more time digging deeper into whatever passage we are reading, and look for more than knowledge of facts or memorizing words. We can learn how God dealt with and still deals with daily situations. Was He harsh? Was He compassionate? What does He want me to do with His words and His example? How can I step a little closer to Him and to being a little more like Him? Where have I messed up in similar situation and need to correct my attitudes and my actions for the next time?

And then, we can spend more time talking to the Lord about…everything! We can read, and then talk to Him. Then we can read some more and talk to Him some more! Prayer can be an ongoing discussion, not just a reading of our needs list.

Finally, each of us needs to stop and ask ourselves if we really believe the conversations that we are having with Him and do we accept His answers. Do we believe that our **God can supply all of our needs?* Or that **all things work together for our good**? Do we trust the Lord to give us what is best for us and the growth and refining of our faith? Are we looking for our version of Happiness or His?

These are all tough questions. They require an honest soul search and a desire for true happiness and not the artificial one that the world is teasing us with every day. The answers require honesty in every area of our Christian walk. And it’s okay if we find out we have some areas to straighten out. That is what the conversation is all about. The Lord shows us what areas need some work and then, we get to work on them, by faith. Not in a “I’m going to conquer this” kind of way, but an “I’m going to grow and learn” kind of way.

v 17,18 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. v21 that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. v32-35 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.³³ Hear instruction, and be wise,and refuse it not.³⁴ Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.³⁵ For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. Proverbs 8

This is God’s heart for us. When we seek Him, we’ll find not only wisdom and peace but a happiness that circumstances can’t steal from us.

So today, let’s be encouraged to draw close to Him. To keep talking, keep trusting, and keep looking for the wisdom He offers — because in finding Him, we find the hidden treasures of wisdom and happiness.