THE CHARGED MIND OF THE BLESSED MAN

 - WHY AM I NOT HAPPY? (Blessed Man-Pt. 4)

Pastor Rick Jackson

Deuteronomy 33:29 Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.

Of course, this verse primarily is dealing with Israel but how much more do these principles apply to Christians? Saved by the Lord (Rm. 10:13), our Source of shielding (Ephesians 6:16), help (Hebrews 4:16), and sword (Ephesians 6:17). Enemies be liars? (Romans 3:4) Taking the high places of the enemy? (Ephesians 6:10-12)

So, with all this, why aren't we happy? God doesn't fail. God doesn't lie. God's promises are true! Perhaps the truth is we have not laid hold on the truths as we ought. Why are we not happy?

I. PERHAPS IT HAS TO DO WITH THE INSTRUCTION OF GOD

1. We don't like and accept it

Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;

Psalm 128:1 Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

2. We don't live according to it

Ps. 106:3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.

Psalm 119:1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

3. We don't access and love it

Psalm 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Psalm 119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

Proverbs 12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

II. PERHAPS IT HAS TO DO WITH GOD HIMSELF

1. Have we put our hope and trust elsewhere?

Psalm 144:15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.

Psalm 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:

Proverbs 16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

2. Have we quit hearing Him and listened to others?

Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

Proverbs 8:32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

3. Have we quit walking in His ways and walk contrary to them?

Proverbs 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

Proverbs 16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

Proverbs 28:14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

III. PERHAPS IT HAS TO DO WITH GOD'S PLANS

1. Have we lost our vision?

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

2. Have lost our patience?

Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

3. Have we lost our motivation?

Isaiah 32:20 Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass.

Have we lost our minds? Deuteronomy 33:29