JESUS SPEAKING
And it happened, that as he spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you.” But he said, “Rather than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and ‘keep it’ (do it)” (Luke Chapter 11: verse 27 – 28.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
The word ‘blessed’ fairly accurately translates into our modern word for ‘happy.’ Those who are ‘blessed’ possess a genuine measure of peace, joy, and contentment. In this scripture, Jesus emphasizes two essential steps, that when followed, lead to true happiness. First, an individual must become aware of God’s commandments and teachings. Secondly, they must apply His doctrines in their lives and the lives of those around them.
Concerning happiness, Americans are more depressed than ever. From 2005 – 2008, the use of antidepressant medications increased by nearly 400%. One in every ten individuals is currently taking some form of antidepressant. Many however are not suffering from chemical imbalances (although some might be); rather, they are unhappy because they either don’t know God’s word, or they know it but refuse to apply it. Those committing great sins are consistently less happy than those who aren’t. For instance, approximately 1.5% of women who are married report experiencing some form of depression; yet 5.1% of women living with a man before marriage report being depressed. Further, those who engage in a homosexual lifestyle are more than 200% more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual counterparts. Additionally, men who watch pornography daily are 3.5 times more likely to experience severe depression than the general population. Simply put, those who avoid sin are happier than those who don’t.
God lovingly gave mankind rules, that when observed, lead to satisfaction and joy; even in the midst of trials. However, when His statutes are ignored, the disobedient can expect to experience fear, emotional instability, and depression. The formula for achieving lasting peace isn’t complicated; simply read God’s word daily and apply His teachings in every area of your life. In so doing you will be blessed; you will avoid the misery of sin; and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we hunger and thirst for genuine obedience. May we read Your word daily, and apply what we have learned in our lives. May we act upon Your commandments; may we love others; may we spread Your message; may we avoid sin and receive Your eternal rewards. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 