JESUS SPEAKING
And it happened, as he spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breast which nursed you.” But he said, “More 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’ can most accurately be translated 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 legitimate 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 1999 – 2014, the use of antidepressant medications increased by nearly 64%. Approximately 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 do not know God’s word, or they know it but refuse to apply it. Those who are, at present, practicing serious sins, are consistently less happy than those who are not. 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 do not.
God lovingly gave mankind guidelines; and when they are followed, they lead to satisfaction and joy. When His statutes are ignored, those who are disobedient can expect to experience emotional instability, depression, and fear. The formula for achieving lasting happiness is uncomplicated; 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 desire genuine obedience. May we read Your word daily and apply what we have learned in our lives. May we act out Your commandments; may we love others; may we spread Your message; may we avoid sin, and in so doing, may we 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 