Word For Thursday: Be Happy

Missed Wednesday. Oopsie, heh. But like Jean said that Jim said, Thursday needs the word, too!

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, to the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.

O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever. Psalm 30: 11, 12

Years ago, I used to listen to the Dr. Laura Schlessinger Show when it was broadcast on our local radio station. She had once commented that her Christian friends were always so happy. They seemed filled with joy even though they had their problems, their foibles, and concerns about current affairs.

I think it was kinda neat to hear her say that, to hear her say that she noticed that. It’s so easy to get depressed and beat down in this world. There is a LOT to be sad and discouraged about. But some of the really neat things about having faith in Jesus Christ is:

• We are living in a state of forgiveness and in friendship with God (peace of mind).
• We don’t have to try to “prove” how good we are. We have already come to realize that we aren’t.
• We are so grateful for this new, free life that now, we just WANT to do what’s right.
• We avoid the really crappy, regrettable stuff that other folks get entangled into.
• Every problem and trial has a solution or something good that will come out of it.
• Best of all, we have hope for the future– for the immediate future, and the future of eternal life after the body dies.

Sometimes Christians are sad, depressed, and discouraged, yes. But this is not our state of being (it should not be, anyway). God sent His Son to be salvation for us– that’s “soteria” in the Greek, which means complete deliverance: wholeness in spirit, soul, and body.

You shall call His name Jesus (Yehoshua), for He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21.

Now THAT’s GREAT NEWS!! No wonder we’re happy! Got questions? Check this out! For more of The Word For Wednesday posts and participants, see Yeah, Right!