Happy Happy Happy
Genesis 4:5-7 – “…but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it."
In the story of Genesis chapter four, Adam and Eve have two sons and name them Cain and Abel. Cain worked in the dirt like a farmer, and Abel took care of livestock and animals. They both bring an offering before the Lord. Abel gave his very best to God, and God was very pleased with what he had to give. Cain, on the other hand, gave “some” but not all of what he had to offer. In other words, Cain didn’t give his best to God. He gave only average, and his heart wasn’t in it.
What happened? If you read it in today’s verses, God was displeased with Cain’s offering and rejected what he had given. Cain became angry, and the Bible says his “countenance fell.” In other words, he became sad and depressed. His happiness was gone. God tells Cain in verse seven, “If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up?” That means, “Cain, if you obey and give me your best, your sadness will go away, and you’ll find true HAPPINESS!”
Happiness is what all people on earth long for but never seem to find. We pursue relationships, jobs, houses, cars, money, and just about anything else to find happiness, but it never seems to be enough. Where can we find true and real happiness? Well, these verses tell us. We find true and real happiness (JOY) in obeying and doing what God has asked us to do. When we do this, He promises that our sadness will be lifted and our hearts will be encouraged!
You might be thinking, “Oh, thank you, Captain Obvious!” I’ll obey God, and everything will be hunkie-dorie! But the problem is that most don’t even know where to start. Well, there are many biblical principles that we could obey to help bring us happiness, but I have one for us today…are you ready…here it is…
Happy People Give To Others Without Expecting Anything In Return
WHAT!!!??? You might be thinking, how on earth am I supposed to be happy if I give to others before I take for myself? It’s true, and it is biblical!
Proverbs 11:25 says, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
Miserable people are constantly looking out for themselves, but those who love God are given happiness when they serve others without expecting anything in return. When your greatest priority in life is to be a blessing to those around you, you will start to notice the freedom and encouragement that it gives you. Serving others can include but isn’t limited to:
-Making others smiling by keeping things lighthearted
-Praying for someone when they are having a bad day
-The gentlemen opening the doors for the ladies
-Encouraging the people around you by focusing on the positive things about them
-Helping clean up after meals or any other activity
-Asking people questions about their lives and listening intently
The list could go on and on, but you get the point. The Bible promises that the more focused and thoughtful you are of others, the more your life will be rich with happiness and blessings from God. It does not come naturally, nor is it always easy, but if you live a life of service to your fellow man, you will be remembered as a blessing both now and whenever your time on earth is finished. How else are people to know of the eternal life-saving love of Jesus? Watch and see God come through on His promise… “…if you do well…your countenance (heart) will be lifted (encouraged and happy) …”
Prayer:
Ask the Lord for opportunities to bless others today and strength to follow through and do something about it when the opportunity arises.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
Philippians 4:4
