It will be repeated millions of times in the next few hours. “Happy New Year” is the cheerful, optimistic, but often shallow exclamation among friends and family as the pages of the calendar turn from one year to the next. But what does a truly “Happy” New Year look like? What defines the kind of happiness every soul longs to experience?

What kind of happy?

Like the temporary flittering of New Year’s Eve confetti, many people understand happiness as a temporary feeling of well-being, usually based on pleasant circumstances. As a result, this kind of “happiness” based on “happenings” is superficial and short-lived.

Like the temporary flittering of New Year’s Eve confetti, many people understand happiness as a temporary feeling of well-being, usually based on pleasant circumstances. As a result, this kind of “happiness” based on “happenings” is superficial and short-lived.

Biblically, the idea of happiness (and a truly “Happy New Year”) is rooted in our relationship with Christ and the blessings that flow from that deep, abiding sense of well-being. Various terms are used to describe this happiness, such as “joy,” “blessing,” and “delight.” The Amplified Bible elaborates on it this way: “to be envied, and spiritually prosperous — with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of outward conditions.”

Abraham Lincoln said, “Most people are as happy as they’ve decided to be.” Of course, we don’t just flip the “happy switch” and suddenly all is well. However, we must decide to define happiness properly and then pursue it according to the biblical prescription. When we do this, it can be a real Happy New Year.

Abraham Lincoln said, “Most people are as happy as they’ve decided to be.” Of course, we don’t just flip the “happy switch” and suddenly all is well. However, we must decide to define happiness properly and then pursue it according to the biblical prescription. When we do this, it can be a real Happy New Year.

Keys to Real and Lasting Happiness

In 2019, many of us will encounter trials and unexpected crises. Some will battle deep discouragement, even depression. To encourage us as we decide to be happy and define it meaningfully, let’s embrace the promised and proper paths of well-being.

Happiness is rooted in spiritual intimacy

Many Christians resolve to strengthen their “devotional” habits when the calendar turns. This, of course, is a good thing but cannot be the mere pursuit of dutiful religious discipline. It must be the delight of knowing and enjoying intimacy with Christ. This is the life-spring of a happy heart.

Many Christians resolve to strengthen their “devotional” habits when the calendar turns. This, of course, is a good thing but cannot be the mere pursuit of dutiful religious discipline. It must be the delight of knowing and enjoying intimacy with Christ. This is the life-spring of a happy heart.

Psalm 65:4 says, “Happy are those whom you choose, whom you bring to live in your sanctuary” because they will be satisfied with the good things of God and the blessing of His presence. Psalm 68:3 declares, “But the righteous are glad and rejoice in his presence; they are happy and shout for joy.” Psalm 84 speaks of the extraordinary happiness of those who experience the Lord’s presence, noting that even one day of this reality is better than one-thousand otherwise. Pursuing and enjoying vibrant intimacy with God is the core of joy.

Happiness is founded in obedience to God

King David wrote, “I find my happiness in obeying your commands” (Psalm 119:56). Revelation 1:3 confirms, “Happy is the one who reads this book, and happy are those who listen to the words of this prophetic message and obey what is written in this book!” The Word of God was given to us for our blessing. When we obey, we know true happiness. When we disobey, we lose spiritual intimacy, power, and joy.

The Word of God was given to us for our blessing. When we obey, we know true happiness. When we disobey, we lose spiritual intimacy, power, and joy.

Happiness is cultivated by a clear conscience

David also wrote of a time in his life when he covered and coddled his sin. He spoke of how his strength disappeared and he experienced sheer misery (Psalm 32:3-4). Yet, when he confessed, his conscience was cleansed and his well-being restored. He was able to say, “Happy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned. Happy is the man whom the LORD does not accuse of doing wrong and who is free from all deceit.” Paul underscored in Romans, “Happy is the person whose sins the Lord will not keep account of!” (4:8) Paul knew this happiness because he spoke of keeping his own conscience clear of any offense toward God or other people (Acts 24:16). Justifying or ignoring our offences against God or others leads to spiritual isolation, emotional defeat, and relational breakdown. Keeping short accounts and walking in the power of forgiveness makes for a happy life.

Justifying or ignoring our offences against God or others leads to spiritual isolation, emotional defeat, and relational breakdown. Keeping short accounts and walking in the power of forgiveness makes for a happy life.

Happiness flows from wise choices

When we walk intimately with Christ, embracing and obeying His Word and living with a clear conscience, we are in a position to make good choices. We all know how one unwise choice can bring immediate misery, sometimes long-term pain. We’ve known the foolishness of a thoughtless word, an angry reaction, a greedy investment, or an illegal choice. Proverbs 3 says, “Happy is the man who becomes wise — who comes to have understanding… Those who become wise are happy; wisdom will give them life” (Proverbs 3:13 & 18). God promises that His wisdom “will provide you with life — a pleasant and happy life” (Proverbs 3:22).

Many other verses speak of the blessing of living by God’s wisdom. When we are able to apply truth to daily decisions, our way is clear, fruitful, rewarding, and happy. When we rationalize and react according to the world’s twisted values or our own meager reason, we arrive at a miserable dead end.

When we are able to apply truth to daily decisions, our way is clear, fruitful, rewarding, and happy. When we rationalize and react according to the world’s twisted values or our own meager reason, we arrive at a miserable dead end.

Decide Today!

In this new year, I pray we will all trust Christ to empower us as we decide to be happy, not in some shallow and fickle sense, but according to the biblical prescription for a life worth living. I pray 2019 will be a Happy New Year — for you and those you minister to throughout the next twelve months.

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Next week in part two of this devotion we will see that:

• Happiness is fueled by unselfish service
• Happiness is enhanced by healthy relationships
• Happiness is strengthened by genuine trust

 

Copyright © 2018 Daniel Henderson. All rights reserved.