Happy Independence Day

We want to wish all of you a very happy Fourth of July, for those of you in Massachusetts, may it not rain on your parades or cook-outs even though for most towns it has already rained on the fireworks because of economic reasons. Well, at least we can still watch the Boston show on TV (one of those rare occasions, no bug spray needed). However, as we enjoy our day(s) off, let’s not forget what we celebrate.

July 4 1776, Two hundred thirty-three years ago, some of the greatest minds this country has ever and probably will ever know were finishing up their work on the Declaration of Independence and were “for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” Probably some of the most famous words ever written come closer to the beginning, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” A while back I wrote a post reflecting on the phrase “pursuit of happiness” and I thought with it being a holiday that I would revisit that post with you here.

Much is made today about man’s pursuit of happiness, in fact, it is not just today but throughout history this has been something of extreme importance. The founding fathers included it in the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

I did a google search of this phrase and was not surprised to find, that in typical Jeffersonian fashion, this is used for a whole host of different purposes–movies have been made and countless books have been written as well. As you read the Declaration, you are left to determine for yourself what that is, and man has not rested one day in striving to find it.

Think about it, did anyone have to teach you to want to be happy? NO…and it wasn’t a revelation to the framers of the Declaration either

Judges 17:6  In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

You can go all the way back to the garden, to see that man has always lived for their temporal happiness. We are no different today. Right now there are several who can’t get there mind off of what they are going to do this afternoon or this weekend that will make them happy. Have you ever realized that everything that we think is going to make us so happy right now, always comes to end–a good meal, a fun time, good company; whatever it is, these temporal times of pleasure and happiness always end. The truth is, that if we were all left to ourselves to pursue our own happiness all the time; then we would be a pretty miserable people.

The good news is that we are not left to ourselves. The Bible tells us where we can find true, genuine happiness, turn to Psalm 16

Psalms 16:1-11  A Miktam of David. Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.  (2)  I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”  (3)  As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.  (4)  The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.  (5)  The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.  (6)  The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.  (7)  I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.  (8)  I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.  (9)  Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.  (10)  For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.  (11)  You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Theologians often refer to this Psalm as the “Golden” Psalm or as the “Precious Jewel” Psalm. The reason for this is that it all refers to Christ. Look to the book of Acts (2:22-28; 13:27-38).

Now we do not have time to focus on the entire Psalm as I read, but let me encourage to go back and think about the preceding verses on your own. I want to largely focus on the end of the Psalm, read with me again beginning in verse 8. Where does our great example find true happiness–it is in God. What encouraged Christ to the cross, but the complete and unbelieveable joy and happiness that he had in God.

Hebrews 12:2  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Where is your joy? What is that you are looking forward to this afternoon or this weekend that will make you sooo happy? I fear for those for whom the answer is not God [read v. 4- The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.]. I fear for those who do not see the hope promised them in verse 10–that is Christ who didn’t see corruption, this ought to cause us to rejoice–the news of the angels on the third day

Matthew 28:6  He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.

This should cause us great joy and gladness. This is all we need. Happiness, joy is found only in God our creator and redeemer.

” You make known to me the path of life;”–Christ opened up the path for us through the cross–He is the way that leads unto life, life eternal–which is being in the presence of God where there is fulness of joy, and pleasures forevermore. Christ’s “pursuit of happiness” was in being with His Father in eternal joy. I pray that our pursuit of happiness will begin and end in God our Father. What will you do with that unexpected free time that comes your way? Will you aimlessly pursue some means to make you happy for the moment? or will you pursue happiness in the only place that it can really be found–in God…He has shown us the path of life, and it is in His presence that there is complete joy.