Message Musings: A Happy Father

The following article is based upon Pastor Tony's message "Happy Father's Day" preached on June 21st, 2020

Happiness is Available!

God's word speaks to every area of our lives. In this Psalm, God shows us how a man can be blessed, happy, and fulfilled in his family.

Psalm 128:1-6

1 Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. 2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. 3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. 4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. 5 The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. 6 Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.

Give Attention to your Faith

Happiness does not grow from outward circumstances. We can enjoy the good that happens in life, but enduring happiness originates in our relationship with God.

Psalm 128:1 - Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

These two aspects of our relationship with God could be defined in this way:

• Inward life - Fear (Respect & Honor) the Lord
• Outward life - Walk in his ways

Loving God and living for Him go hand in hand! Furthermore, happiness results from this type of life. Drudgery is not the result of loving God, that is simply a lie from the devil.

Faith in Jesus should be central to our lives! By faith:

• We are saved from hell and given eternal life (Ephesians 2:8)
• Walk with Christ (Colossians 2:5-7)
• We please God (Hebrews 11:6)

It's time that we assess our faith:

• Where's my faith?
• Do I give attention to my faith?

Give Attention to Your Family

After securing the foundation of your life, it's time to give attention to your family! The foundation of a family is your faith and walk with God. In this Psalm, the father was a man of faith.

Beyond personal faith, he gave attention to love, lead, and care for his family. As a result, everyone in the family benefitted.

Psalm 128:3-4 - Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. 4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.

This man's wife flourished, and his children were established. The imagery of vines and olive plants can be lost on us. However, for an agrarian society, the picture of a flourishing vine and growing olive plants would call to mind an image of joy, plenty, and satisfaction.

Your family needs attention and will only flourish with proper love, leadership, and care. It's time to assess:

• Do I give attention, love, and care to my spouse?
• Do I give attention, love, and care to my children?
• Do I provide a stable environment for those in my family to flourish?