Happiness Reflection Guide – September 25, 2019
Wednesday
Read: Psalm 112:4-9
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
7 They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,
their righteousness endures forever;
their horn will be lifted high in honor.
Study: This wisdom psalm reminded us that those who follow God are usually caring, merciful, justice-seeking people who freely give of themselves to help others. They generally trust in the Lord through even the worst of times and will not be shaken. They inspire others to live in ways that honor God. God blesses their lives in various ways, and they bless others in turn. A God-blessed life can sound daunting, yet millions who’ve tried it testify that it isn’t a burden, but a gift. As you use your God-given gifts to serve others in love, your life takes on purpose and meaning. You find fulfillment, one of God’s “present tense” blessings. When have you had the joy of sensing God blessing someone else through you? The psalmist used a striking metaphor for people who live God’s way: “They shine in the dark” (verse 4). When you live in God’s grace-filled ways, you are a light to the world. When have you seen God shining through you to be “light” in the darkness, bringing hope to someone else? When has another Christian’s “light” brightened your life?
Prayer: Let your light shine through me almighty God. When there is darkness, may your light bring hope and joy to all around. Amen