2 Chronicle 9:7
“Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.”
Happiness is the pursuit of most people. Happiness is such a desire that the forefathers of the United States put the phrase in the Declaration of Independence, “…the pursuit of happiness.” Mankind has been in the pursuit of happiness since the beginning.
In the verse above, it says that Solomon’s men and servants were happy. The Queen of Sheba heard the fame of Solomon and she didn’t believe all that was told to her. So, she came to prove the reports wrong only to find that half of the story had not been told. What grabbed her attention was the happiness of those who were under Solomon.
When looking at this verse you can see that happiness did not come from obtaining a position. The men of the country were happy, and the servants were happy. Their wealth also did not give them happiness. The servants certainly were not wealthy, but they were happy. Their education did not make them happy as we see they were sitting listening to the wisdom of Solomon. So, what was it that made them happy?
First, they were happy because they obeyed. When reading this story, you see the men and servants were busy doing what they were commanded to do. Obedience always brings happiness. You may think that rebelling will bring you happiness, but always remember the Prodigal Son who found out that rebellion only brings heartache. You will never be happy in life until you learn to obey your authorities and the Word of God.
Second, they were happy because they heard the Word of God. You will notice that they heard the wisdom of Solomon. Hold on! Was it really Solomon’s wisdom they heard or was it the wisdom of God? They heard what you and I can read in the Book of Proverbs which is the wisdom of God. You will never be happy without listening to the Word of God being preached, taught and read. God’s Word always produces happiness when it is heeded.
Third, they were happy because they were not competing with each other or the world. I want you to notice that these people were wearing the apparel the king commanded them to wear. They were not trying to wear what the rest of the world wore, but they wore what they were commanded to wear. Christian, stop trying to be like the world and be what God wants you to be. You will never be happy trying to identify with the world. The world is never satisfied, and that is why their trends constantly change. Happiness is discovered in being content with who God wants you to be.
Fourth, they were happy because they chose to be happy. It ultimately came down to their choice to be a happy people. Friend, everyday you must choose if you are going to be happy or grumpy and discontented. If you are saved, then inside of you dwells the Holy Spirit Who is capable of giving you a happy disposition if you yield to Him. It is truly your choice.
This world needs to see that Christians are happy. It was not the wealth that impressed the Queen of Sheba. It was not the buildings Solomon built that grabbed her attention. What grabbed her attention was the happiness of Solomon’s people. The world notices when we are happy, and that is what will cause them to desire to want what we have. What does the world see in you? I encourage you to daily yield to the Holy Spirit and ask Him to help you to have a happy disposition so the world can see the joy of Christ through you.