He flicked his wrist drumming four consecutive beats with his fingers as if he was striking the strings of a guitar. His gravelly baritone voice hummed a fandom melody. Sometimes he would sing the words when he remembered them. In those moments my father was happy. I knew his heart was filled with contentment and joy.
I didn’t know the circumstances or events that brought that happiness but it made my heart glad to see my father happy. You could tell his heart was content because his mouth was filled with song. It was always a joy to hear him sing and play his guitar. It was his expression of a happy heart.
Dad had his days of sadness and disappointment, anger and frustration. But when his heart sang, I knew everything was okay. Mother would look at him and smile. Dad’s happy heart made the atmosphere in our home very pleasant.
"Happy are the people (men) whose God is the Lord.” Ps 144:15
Are you a happy father? Is your father happy?
Here are 7 Reasons You Can Be a Happy Father.
Your salvation brings happiness. You are saved from death, hell, devils, and your selfish sins when you give your life to the Lord. You have the joy of the Lord. "I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." Hab 3:18
You are made in the image of a Happy God. Our Heavenly Father is perfectly happy. He is pleased with His creation and content in Who He is. "This truly is the Gospel of the blessed (happy) God" – 1 Timothy 1:11
Happiness comes from God. It is the joy of the Lord - the Lord’s joy. He has joy and He gives us joy. "Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Neh 8:10
Your faith in God. When you surrender the weight of your worry to Him and have total confidence in His ability. Reading His word and intimacy with Him increases your trust in Him. "In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Ps 16:11
Do good to others. Solomon said, I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. (Ec 3:12 NIV)
Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit which is in you. "The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness..." Gal 5:22
Happiness is evidence of the kingdom of God if present. Joy is part of the dominion of God. Pray His kingdom come. "For the Kingdom of God is ... living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Rom 14:17
What do you want your legacy to be? Do you want to be remembered for all your accomplishments or that you were a happy man filled with the joy of Jesus?
Fathers, you were created to be happy and called into the Lord's joy. I encourage you to focus on the good in your life and not your problems. Have a positive attitude. Be grateful for all God has provided. Fill your home with happiness and let your legacy be "a father who knew the joy of the Lord."
Happy Father's Day - Real Men Worship