God is happy

DAILY BIBLE READING:

2 Samuel 18:1–19:10 
John 20:1-31 
Psalm 119:153-176 
Proverbs 16:14-15

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Proverbs 16:15 "When a king’s face lights up, there is life; his favor is like a cloud with spring rain."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

To understand our Verse for Today, we have to use our informed imaginations and put ourselves in the time period in which it was written.

Kings were not simply figureheads like what we see in present-day England. They were the ultimate authority. Their rule was sovereign. They did whatever they pleased with plenty of power to enforce compliance. There was no Congress or Supreme Court to create a balance of powers. All power resided in the king and whatever he said or did (right or wrong) could not be stopped.

With this kind of unchecked authority, you can imagine how terrifying it would be to live in a kingdom with a wicked-hearted king. He could enslave some of his people, confiscate their property, and even order someone's death with no recourse. The people of the kingdom would comply with his every word - but they would be motivated by fear.

However, there have always been those kingdoms in history who were ruled by monarchs who were capable of enjoying life. They laughed and smiled. And when their citizens saw those reactions, it was "like a cloud with spring rain." They knew that at least while the king was smiling, he would tend to make decisions that they would find pleasant.

Kings that were upset or discouraged tended to make decisions that hurt their people. Kings that were happy tended to make decisions that blessed their people.

Well, friend, when you look Heavenward and, in your minds eye, see your King of kings, what do you see? If your mind is informed by Scripture, you will see King Jesus smiling on His throne. (If you doubt this, purchase the excellent book, "Happiness," written by Randy Alcorn and jump to Section 2: "The Happiness of God." The author does an incredible job of presenting Scripture after Scripture that demonstrates that God is incredibly happy.)

So, as Jesus smiles while He reigns on His throne, we can find in His expression much comfort and peace for our hearts. He is happy because His will is being carried out. He is happy because He has glorified the Father. He is happy because He is drawing people to Himself. He is happy because no matter what happens to us, He is working it out for our ultimate good. He is happy because Heaven awaits all of those who have or will trust in Him.

On and on we can go. Our God is a happy God. Jesus, our King, is smiling on His throne. Just realizing that one truth can inject so much peace and hope into our minds and hearts. So, reflect on that thought today.

Proverbs 16:15 "When a king’s face lights up, there is life; his favor is like a cloud with spring rain."