Happiness is a state mind we can either choose or reject. Blessedness however, is a state of being conferred by God and is not dependent on how we feel.
To see the difference between being blessed and being happy, just consider the behavior of the Israelites in ancient times. They cried out to God (Exodus 2:23-3:9) and hearing their cries he freed them from slavery. What a blessing, right? Well…….
- They complained about thirst and were given water – Exodus 15:22-25
- They complained about hunger and got quail and manna – Exodus 16:1-21
- Thirst again and got water from a rock – Exodus 17:1-7
- Complained about adversity – Numbers 11:1
- Complained out of their greed – Numbers 11:4
- Complained about Moses’ wife – Numbers 12:1
- Complained out of faithless fear – Numbers 14:1-3
- Complained about Moses’ leadership – Numbers 16:1-3
- Complained about God’s discipline – Numbers 16:41
- Complained out of impatience – Numbers 21:4-5
They were constantly blessed, but never resolved to be satisfied (happy) with what God was providing all along the way.
Learn anything? Can we read about their whiny behavior and compare it to our own? I know I can.
Jesus began the sermon he preached on a mountain with “Blessed are those…..” and spoke of seven circumstances we have the power to choose for ourselves in which God blesses us (Matthew 5:3-12).
Regardless of these divine blessings, however, we, like Israel, must choose to be happy through them. So come on now….. count your blessings and choose happiness!