At the second “Amazed & Afraid” we talked about “Jesus as Teacher”. And Dave walked through each of the Beatitudes — “Blessed are they…” This was on my mind as I finally got around to opening up my Bible to read Psalms — which I’ve meant to do for a few weeks but just haven’t. (Oh, and I wanted to do it to try to get ideas for some songs — because writing songs based on songs seems like a great thing to do.)
I immediately encountered my first “Happy are those…” and that is where I focused. I got out my notebook and wrote down each one I came across. It actually led me away from reading and instead to scanning — but I got thru all of the Book of Psalms and wrote out each “Happy are those…” or “Happy is…” verses. Spoiler Alert!: There are a lot!
Sure Googling for all the instances could have been easier. But the point wasn’t easiness or speed. It was the time spent focusing on The Word.
Here are all the instances of “Happy are those…” and “Happy is…” verses found in the Book of Psalms:
“Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.” -Ps 1:1-2
“Happy are all who take refuge in him.” -Ps 1:11
“Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” -Ps 32:1
“Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit”. -Ps 32:2
“Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.” -Ps 33:12
“Happy are those who make the Lord their trust, who do not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after false gods.” -Ps 40:4
“Happy are those who consider the poor; the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble.” -Ps 41:1
“Happy are those whom you choose and bring near to live in your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, your holy temple.” -Ps 65:4
“Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise.” -Ps 84:4
“Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.” -Ps 84:5
“Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance; they exult in your name all day long, and extol your righteousness.” -Ps 89:15-16
“Happy are those whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law, giving them respite from days of trouble, until pit is dug for the wicked.” – Ps 94:12-13
“”Happy are those who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times.” -Ps 106:3
“Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.” -Ps 119:2
“Happy are those who keep his decrees, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways.” -Ps 119:2-3
“Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” -Ps 127:5
“Happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways.” -Ps 128:1
“Happy are the people to whom such blessings fall; happy are the people whose God is the Lord.” -Ps 144:15
“Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever.” -Ps 146:5-6
In doing this spiritual exercise I realized that when I struggle with “finding “Happiness” I just need to remember that the “keys to happiness” have already been revealed to us — I just need to turn to Scripture and follow the instructions. ::
Keep his decrees. Walk in his ways. Hope in the Lord. Sing his praise. Trust in the Lord. Consider the poor. Take refuge in the Lord. Delight in the law of the Lord.
Give God Your Yes 