Are You Happy? Sample

What makes someone happy?

Webmd.com has changed the landscape of the medical world. Right at our fingertips is enough information to do some rudimentary diagnostics on ourselves: Why do I have a headache? What does blurred vision mean? But when it comes to our spiritual lives, I don’t think physical ailments are the only things stealing our joy.  

King David is probably the most famous of all the biblical kings. The Bible even describes him as a man after the Lord’s own heart. What made him unique among all the kings was not his power or strength but instead his willingness, when confronted by sin, to confess and seek God’s forgiveness. 

In Psalm 32 we get to see both sides of David. One weighed down by guilt and one raised up by forgiveness. He describes his condition: “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me” (verses 3,4). Have you ever felt that weight of shame and guilt? I think we all have.

Yet see the joy David experiences once the burden has been lifted: “‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” (verses 5,11).

There’s a reason why believers have confessed their sins to the Lord for thousands of years. Joy comes in the Lord’s forgiveness. And that forgiveness overcomes our worst ailments. 

Was this Plan helpful? Try the book A Change of Story to further help you combat negative thinking and see yourself as God sees you!