Volume 13 | Issue 08

Happy in Jesus

Written by: Bill Elliff

George Mueller was the great man of God who is known for his extraordinary faith. He prayed in over 50 million dollars without mentioning a need to anyone as he build massive orphanages, which stand to this day, in Bristol, England. His fruitful life has encouraged millions. But the secret of his success, I believe he would say, was his morning practice.

THE FIRST BUSINESS OF THE DAY
Each morning Mueller would go out to a place where he walked with his Bible in hand. His goal, he said, was to stay in the Word and prayer until he got his soul “happy in Jesus.” Biblical study was not about a ritual, but re-centering the relationship that sustained him above all else.

He knew what the shepherd-king David knew: that joy is found in one exclusive place. David said he, “set the Lord continually before me.” It was in this practice and place that he obtained counsel, peace, stability, security, guidance, joy, and pleasure.

Psalm 16:7-11
“I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely. For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”

THE CENTRAL QUESTION
Here is a vital question to ask each day: Am I happy in Jesus? Have I taken the time to center my heart and mind upon Him? To be awed by His splendor? To have my eyes lifted from the mundane and petty to the sublime and transcendent?

Do I take the necessary energy and time to hear His promises and be brought back to faith? To find His instruction and know the path of life? To obtain His counsel on the issues of my daily life that are weighing down my soul? And do I stay there until I find the fullness of joy and pleasure?

THE WITNESS OF JOY
Most people, even professing followers of Christ, never get happy in Jesus. They walk around with the worry of the world sitting on their shoulders like Atlas. This is why our Christianity is so uninviting to those far away from God. We must realize that this delight is not only about us and Him, but others. It is what makes us fit for service to a depressed world. It gives us an unusual stability and infectious joy that intrigues and invites them to Christ.

The men and women who have been great for God are made satisfied, secure, and joyful in the presence of Christ. To live there should be our greatest pursuit and the first priority of every day.

(copyright Bill Elliff, all rights reserved)