And Jesus opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:2-10 (ESV)
The Beatitudes are sayings attributed to Jesus, and in particular eight blessings recounted by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. Each is a proverb-like proclamation, without narrative. In the Latin Vulgate, each of these blessings begins with the word beātī, which translates to “happy”, “rich”, or “blessed”.
The word “happy” is similar to the concept of physical beauty. Beauty is when everything is in its proper place. True happiness then refers to the spirit of a person feeling it is in its proper place—satisfied, fulfilled, content—and that life is just as it should be!
Here is what I have learned about true happiness. I don’t know what makes me happy! In recent days I have admitted to my close friends that I have chased lots of things throughout my lifetime but looking back, so many of those things did not satisfy or produce contentment in the end. So, what is a girl to do?
In my quest for wisdom on the subject of finding true happiness, I found it necessary to go back to the plumbline of Scripture once again. There I was reminded and instructed by these marvelous—compelling statements of Jesus—regarding what produces true happiness.
Scholars agree that The Sermon on the Mount holds the same significance for the New Covenant as the giving of the Law held for the Old Covenant. In one sense, it might even be considered the “constitution” for the Kingdom.
When I obey the constitution of the United States I am in harmony with fellow citizens of this great country. When I obey the constitution of the Kingdom of God, I am in harmony with fellow citizens of the magnificent and beautiful Kingdom of God. So where is my true happiness found? It is outside of myself and not possible for me to control. It is in finding my significant place in the Kingdom of God—obeying the laws of that Kingdom—and trusting that my Heavenly Father will not only take care of my needs but give me true happiness along the way.