Happy is that people that is in such a case, yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord. Psalm 144:15
More than fifty years ago, a shaggy-haired, wild young man living in a ranch in California promised his rag-tag bunch of runaway teens, petty criminals, and other young people that he would lead them to a life of happiness and fulfilment. Instead, he led those members of his ‘family’ into a life of debauchery and crime, leading to some of the most horrific and spectacular murders in US history. Until the day he died, Charles Manson remained unrepentant for his crimes, and many of his followers continued struggling for many years to break free of the terrible grip he held on them. One of his young followers was Lynette ‘Squeaky’ Fromme, who was deluded into thinking that happiness would come from shooting the president of the United States, an act that failed only because the gun had no bullet in the chamber. Fromme even after being released from prison, apparently remained loyal to Manson. But what could have been a productive life was all wasted in crime and prison. Her search for happiness brought only an ugly life. There is no true happiness for those who make a god of the things of this world, including pleasure, fame, accomplishments, money, power, or knowledge. David discovered that happiness lies in owning the lordship of God.
In earlier verses of this Psalm, David recounts what life is like for a people who God blesses. His description includes the delightful expression: No complaining in our streets. Now, that would be different! Complaining – including complaining in large numbers in our streets – has become more than a national pastime, and has evolved into a passion that some people pursue. Because they are not happy.
It is impossible to be totally subject to the Lordship of Christ and to be unhappy. Unlike Manson’s followers who recognized his ugly lordship and entered a life of misery, recognition of Christ’s lordship brings us into a life of fulfilment and satisfaction, of rejoicing and contentment. As we serve the best of Masters, we find our fulfilment. As we absorb knowledge and wisdom from the greatest Teacher, we are satisfied. As we worship the King of kings and Lord of Lords, we find our souls uplifted in gratitude and adoration. We will be happy in ways that the followers of other gods can never know.
How happy are you today? How deep is your commitment to the Lordship of Christ. Same question! -Jim MacIntosh