BBD 07.17.09 How to be Happy
Posted by: wrather <wrather@...>
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The Burning Bush Devotional
(A Devotional Classic from 2003)
Welcome to the 765 new subscribers since January 1, 2009
07.17.09
How to be Happy
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At
Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. - Psalm 16:11.
Richard Easterlin who is an economist at the University of California is
promoting a new approach to finding happiness. This approach combines two
theories in psychology and economics. The economist correctly argues that
more money does not necessarily result in greater or lasting happiness.
Easterlin sums up his views by saying, "Hence, a reallocation of time in
favor of family life and health would, on average, increase individual
happiness."
It has been said that when the scientists and researchers finally arrive at
the summit of the mountain where they find meaning of life and the source of
life that they will find that the theologians have already been there for
many centuries. The theologians are already there because God has already
given us this great wisdom, and it is all written down in black and white.
Most of us know this wisdom is contained in a book called the Bible.
Our scientists and researchers could certainly increase the speed of their
research and save a great sum of money by taking a little time to read,
study, and listen to God speak to them through the written wisdom of the
Bible. Since most of us are not scientists and researchers, we do not have
to waste years of time discovering whether "a reallocation of time in favor
of family life and health would, on average, increase individual happiness.
" Why? Because we have already read the Book (as in the Bible) and know this
to be true.
Happiness will never be found solely in the pursuit of money, material
possessions, and fleshly pleasures. Research does not have to be done to do
this although King Solomon did in fact, do the experiential research and
arrived at those same conclusions (Read Ecclesiastes for the findings of
King Solomon)
Where will we find joy, happiness, joy, and the ultimate in satisfaction
with life? "In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are
pleasures forevermore." Allow God to show you the path of true life.
(This was the last devotional that I wrote in 2003 prior to suddenly having
to go to the hospital and spend eight days hospitalized. That
hospitalization reinforced the knowledge that happiness cannot be found
material possessions and fleshly pleasures.)
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