Deuteronomy 33: True Happiness

"How happy you are, Israel!  Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord?  He is the shield that protects you, the sword you boast in.  Your enemies will cringe before you, and you will tread on their backs."

Deuteronomy 33:29

What is happiness?  Is it a feeling of security?  Is it a feeling of vengeance?  Is it power over others?  Those are the things this verse seems to suggest...  However, I think that a closer look at the rest of Moses's blessing in this chapter would reveal a much different understanding.

Moses blesses each of the twelve tribes, and the only thing I found in common between all twelve blessings is that they're all different.  And that makes perfect sense!  We all have different likes and dislikes.  We all have different opinions, different styles, different interests, different understandings of what it means to be happy.

So how can anyone label what true happiness is?  Easily - it's found in freedom.  One who is free is able to find happiness wherever he/she sees fit.  All in all, Moses is blessing Israel in the same way Jesus blesses His disciples - showing God's mercy and offering freedom to pursue Him in one's own way.

Question of the Day:

Have you let Jesus free you from sin?  Have you let Him finish the fight between good and evil in your soul?  Have you enjoyed the peace and freedom - the happiness - that He offers?

Prayer of the Day:

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.  You let me relax and recuperate, renewing me for my travels on the path of righteousness.  Even when I have problems, I don't have to worry because You are with me, comforting me.  You provide all that I need and more, and You keep a special place for me in Your Kingdom. You love me the way I am, and You encourage me to be the best me I can be.  You give me wisdom to avoid the worldly desires which ensnare others, and You protect me when the world comes crashing down.  I would have no happiness without You.  Thank You.  Amen!