I want to make you happy. It will only take 5 minutes, really! Just follow this instruction:

Meditate for the next 3 minutes on God’s holiness. To do that, read this and think deeply:

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” (Isa. 6:1-2)

In the East at least in the olden days, when you are speaking to the superior (teacher, employer, parents), you lowed your gaze. You are not to look directly at your superior. Here in Isaiah, seraphs – most glorious of all angels that kings and queens would bow down upon – cover their faces and feet because they are in the presence of God. He is so much higher than even the highest of angels, who are above human beings.

If we ever came face to face with this God, we would instantly lower our gaze, fall on our knees and tremble in fear. No matter our accomplishments and lifestyle, we would be as good as dead. We would instantly know we deserved death and hell. (Pause and meditate on this for the next 2 minutes)

Mine: “God, I’m lazy, worldly, lustful, cowardly, impatient, unholy, ungodly… Have mercy on me O Lord a sinner! Forgive me! Cleanse me! Make me holy!” (My true feelings…)

Yet this God became a human being and died on our behalf!!! (Pause and meditate for the next minute)

Feeling happier? No? If not, then either you do not understand the holiness of God or have not accepted the love of God. No matter the unfavorable circumstances – financial, marital, sickness, relational, etc – the degree to which you understand this is the degree to which you will feel joy.

Ironically, it’s NOT God’s love that brings us happiness. It’s God’s holiness that reveals our bankruptcy. Only after understanding God’s holiness, God’s love will bring joy and happiness.

Till He is formed in you,

PH