There is a difference between being happy in obeying Christ versus obeying Christ so that we will be happy later. For the former, our obeying Christ itself gives us delight. The latter, we obey Christ hoping that one day it will lead to our happiness. Which is biblical? Both. But which reflects our experience more frequently? Almost unequivocally the latter, unfortunately.

I’ve read Psalm 119 countless times over the years, but I have never read it like I did two days ago. It reads,

Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!
(Psalm 119:1-3)

You see, I have always read that passage as “Blessed (Happy) will be those whose way is blameless..” In other words, happiness will eventually come as a reward for those who walk blamelessly. Later. But in the meantime, even though we night not enjoy it, we try to do the right thing. And that is not unbiblical. There is certainly future happiness associate with walking uprightly. But that is not what psalmist might have had in mind. From the context, psalmist is saying how obeying the Lord itself gives him pleasure. So, it’s not that obeying God will LEAD TO happiness later, but obeying God ITSELF is bliss and happiness. Do you see the difference?

There is joy in the act of obeying God. There is joy in knowing that you are in God’s will. There is joy in not walking in sin and out of God’s will. There is joy in knowing that God is pleased with you because you are humbly relying upon Him like a child.

Confess your sins and walk rightly before God for your happiness. And enjoy all that God has in store for you. Why would you live in dread and drab in sin? Be happy obeying God now!

PH