1 Kings 8:66
“On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people.”
People often ask me what is the most beautiful sight you have ever seen. That is one of the hardest questions to answer because the LORD has allowed me to see some very beautiful sights. Seeing the mountains covered with snow in the early morning is a beautiful sight. Watching the sun set on the ocean shore is one of the most beautiful sights one can see. Walking through the forest and seeing the sun rays boring their paths through the trees is also one of the most beautiful sights one can see.
Yet, the verse above is among the most beautiful sights one can see. It says that as the people went away, “…they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people.” God’s people being joyful and glad, happy with what their leader is doing and going home as families who are serving the LORD together is no doubt one of the most beautiful sights that one can see.
However, this sight can be painted over and over again. This is not just a one time sight that God allowed us to see in the Scriptures, but this is a sight that can be painted if we will do what caused this sight to happen. Let me show you what painted this beautiful sight.
First, they did all that God commanded. These people were not interested in picking and choosing what they wanted to do; rather, they heard what God wanted them to do and they did it. You will never find people joyful and glad who are not following all that the LORD commands them to do. Don’t ever believe the lies of those who say you can’t completely serve the LORD and be happy. The result of obeying all that the LORD commands is happiness.
Second, they blessed their leaders instead of questioning them. I am certainly not for blind followship, but I do believe we ought to be more apt to praise and listen to leadership than we are to question everything they do. Don’t fall for the trap of constantly questioning your leader. Learn to bless them for they carry a difficult task of leading God’s people.
Third, they chose to look at the goodness of God. You can choose to look at the bad times of life, but you can also choose to see the goodness of God. What you choose to dwell on will ultimately determine your outlook on life. Choose to see the goodness of God and you will have little difficulty being joyful.
Fourth, they served God together as a family. They went home together with their families talking about the goodness of God. You will find that when you serve the LORD together as a family that life will become more joyful. Don’t serve God alone, but get your family involved and together serve Him.
You can paint the picture of joy and gladness with your life if you will let these four things be a part of your life. Let your life be a beautiful picture that the world sees. Many people stop to see the beautiful sights, and if you paint this beautiful picture with your life, you will find many opportunities to tell those who have stopped how they can have the same picture if they will get saved and live the same life.