Are You Happy (and Do You Know It)?

Daily Reading: Ephesians 5

Scripture Focus: Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5.18)

Devotional Thought: I remember one time being asked, "Are you always like this?" It was a good thing! The question had to do with my happy-go-lucky ways. I was honored. Another time a co-worker said of me, "Just think what he would be like if he drank!" I think I was getting on their nerves, but that was OK. I'm a happy guy, and I tend to show it. I'm glad I don't need to get drunk to be happy. I feel sorry for those who do.

Paul contrasted the joy of drunkenness with the joy of the Lord, being filled with wine versus being filled with the Spirit. Drunkenness, Paul said, is "debauchery." What is that? The word is asotia and means "that which can't be saved, that which is wasted." We all know that drunkenness wastes our lives. Time, energy, opportunity, money, relationships, reputation, self-respect, hope... these things waste away for the drunk. It describes the prodigal son in Luke 15.

Does that tell me anything about Spirit-filled living? I think of the woman who broke open the alabaster jar of oil and poured it on Jesus' head (Mark 14). Those nearby said, "Why was the ointment wasted like that?" But, the woman saw it differently. Jesus saw it differently. He said it was "a beautiful thing." Spirit-filled living pours out everything for Jesus' sake. It does not care who is watching or what they might think.

What is that phrase... "Dance like no one is watching"? Although I'm a terrible dancer, I think that is good advice for how we should live. Drink deeply of the goodness of the Lord! Be filled with the Spirit and dance!

Prayer: I thank you, O Lord, for the happiness that is mine because Jesus is my Friend and Savior. Fill me with your Spirit, that I might dance with joy! Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 149.1-9

1 Praise the Lord!

Sing to the Lord a new song,

his praise in the assembly of the godly!

2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;

let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!

3 Let them praise his name with dancing,

making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!

4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;

he adorns the humble with salvation.

5 Let the godly exult in glory;

let them sing for joy on their beds.

6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats

and two-edged swords in their hands,

7 to execute vengeance on the nations

and punishments on the peoples,

8 to bind their kings with chains

and their nobles with fetters of iron,

9 to execute on them the judgment written!

This is honor for all his godly ones.

Praise the Lord!