Fear, Repentance, and Happiness

Proverbs 28:13-14 He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Happy is the man who fears, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

So many today seek happiness, but cannot seem to find it. The truth of the matter is that the reason we do not find it is because we look for it in all the wrong ways and places. The world has far too many of us convinced that happiness is found in living a comfortable life, gathering more and more of the world's material things. We are constantly bombarded with advertisements that send the message that having more of the world will bring the satisfaction and happiness we seek. We are told that doing things the world's way, no matter what we have to do to attain them, is the way to live. Yet, God tells us that the way to happiness is to live a life of repentance. He tells us that happiness comes from living a life that is right with Him. A life where we repent of, and confess, our sins. When we come before the Lord, continually asking Him to examine our hearts and show us what is there, so that we can confess it and not hide it, it is in this process that we find His mercy. It is in this process that there is true happiness. If we show this kind of fear, a fear that is a reverent fear for God, and a fear of sin and its consequences; only then will we find true happiness. This kind of happiness cannot be easily taken from us because it is grounded in the joy and peace of God. Seeking after the world and its ways will harden our hearts toward God and His ways. Let us avoid this hardening by simply being more intentional in repenting and confessing our sins, and being right with the One who offers us His undeserved mercy and grace.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 7:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).