My Lace Under the Sun // Happiness

   Hello all! Today it feels like summer. I was at work all afternoon, and though not out in the sunshine, I most definitely felt the heat! This weekend we may be back to April showers. Meanwhile, enjoy my semi-summery (and too warm ;)) boho look of the day and a new devotional!

   My outfit today was another bohemian look featuring my new lace vest. A well-worn tee-shirt paired with a maxi skirt were the base of my look. Brown flats were an ideal shoe for my outfit, while a vintage-inspired necklace accessorized.

Outfit Details: T-shirt ~ Grand Canyon Gift Shop; Skirt ~ Thrift or Consignment; Vest ~ Thrifted; Necklace ~ Gift; Shoes ~ Walmart

   Happiness. Everyone is desperate to find it, and all have found it illusive. Romance, careers, pets, food,  and more have been tried as means of getting to the end of happiness. As with many things, however, the Bible has a vastly different perspective than the world on this topic. Let's take a look, shall we?

Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; 
Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.
For He bruises, but He binds up;
He wounds, but His hands make whole.
Job 5:17-18 

Blessed* is every one who fears the Lord,
Who walks in His ways.

When you eat the labor of your hands,
You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.

Psalm 128:1-2

Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
Proverbs 13:3

He who heeds the word wisely will find good,
And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. 
Proverbs 16:20 

Indeed we count them blessed* who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
James 5:11 

If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed* are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 
1 Peter 4:14

* "Blessed" in these NKJV scriptures is the same word translated as "happy" in KJV.

   We can conclude from our short study that following God's commands is the way to be truly happy or "blessed". We must seek His wisdom and patiently endure trials and reproach. Instead of basing our lives on a fleeting feeling from material things, we have the keys to pursuing the Lord's deep blessings. May we pray for Him to help us do so!  

Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!
Psalm 144:14b