True Joy Through the Heart of a Servant
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3
Friend, when we hear the word blessed, many immediately think of material provision, success, or circumstances going our way. But biblically speaking, the word blessed means something far deeper.
In Scripture, blessed means happy – not a fleeting, emotional happiness tied to things, but a deep, soul-settled joy that comes from walking in alignment with God. The enemy wants to deceive us into thinking happiness comes from always getting our way, or that euphoric feeling you get in moments where the world would say “THIS” is what brings about happiness – what brings you to believe you are “blessed.” Scripturally, being happy stems from something completely different – being happy is an eternal hope for believers bringing about a happiness that shows the world it’s NOT about material possessions or temporary emotional fulfillment because everything seems perfect. We are showing the world, the unsaved, that despite earthly circumstances, our joy, our happiness, our blessings – all are received by the words of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
And nowhere is this truth more clearly revealed than in the Beatitudes.
The Beatitudes: Jesus’ Blueprint for Happiness
In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus begins His Sermon on the Mount by laying out what it truly means to live as His disciple. The Beatitudes are not suggestions – they are Jesus’ invitation into the kind of life that leads to real happiness.
Consider this:
- Blessed (happy) are the humble
- Blessed (happy) are the meek
- Blessed (happy) are the merciful
- Blessed (happy) are the peacemakers
At first glance, these qualities don’t seem to match the world’s definition of happiness at all. The world says happiness comes from power, recognition, comfort, and accumulation.
Jesus says happiness comes from humility, servanthood, and surrender.
Happiness Grows Where Humility Lives
One of the most misunderstood truths in the Christian life is this:
The more humble and servant-minded you become, the happier you will be.
Why? Because humility removes the pressure to perform, to compete, and to prove ourselves. It frees us from living a self-centered life and invites us into a Christ-centered one. I think it’s important to note, through the years, I have realized being humble takes effort. Friends, my messages are also warnings for you to look out for – deception is real, and the enemy desires nothing more than to tempt you to desire to be “more”… more beautiful, more rich, more successful, more… whatever – making you more conscious of unnecessary things that don’t affect the kingdom of God. What matters to you, friend? What will others have to say about you after you are gone? Not to be morbid, but to put into perspective the message Jesus shared in giving us the Beatitudes to strive to attain. Jesus knew through the years, through the generations, the powers of the enemy to deceive us into vain behaviors would become stronger and stronger. Now, more than ever, we must focus on eternity and our influence for Christ.
Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly:
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28)
When we adopt the mind of Christ, we begin to experience the joy that comes from obedience and love – not self-promotion.
Worldly Happiness Always Leaves Us Empty
I can speak from experience. I have lived a life that was all about me. I have believed the lie that more things, more achievements, and more recognition would finally make me happy.
Here’s the truth – those things never satisfied.
They only created a deeper sense of emptiness because each time I felt fulfilled, it lasted only for a moment.
Learning the hard way is what motivates me to share and to prove to you that God’s way is the best way ALWAYS!
Scripture reminds us why:
“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36)
I had the pleasure of meeting Nick Vujicic recently. He was a guest speaker at one of our institutions, testifying to the goodness of God, and how he gains his purpose and peace only from the Lord, Jesus Christ, as he was born with no arms or legs. Nick quoted the aforementioned scripture specifically to the men he was testifying to, stating, “No one can have my soul, no one will ever be able to pluck me from the hands of the Lord, Jesus Christ, as what would it benefit me to even gain arms and legs, but forfeit my soul?!” His point was beyond powerful and created an environment of complete humility and broken heartedness. Why? – Simply because every single individual, whether staff or incarcerated person listening have our arms and legs. Nick’s discernment of this temporary life was astoundingly profound and encouraging to say the least.
Worldly happiness is temporary. Kingdom happiness is eternal.
Paying It Forward: A Better Kind of Joy
As we move into the new year, my prayer is not that we chase happiness – but that we share it.
The greatest joy we can offer someone is not advice, success, or possessions – it is the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
This is what it means to “pay it forward.”
When we share the hope of Jesus, we participate in something eternal. And there is a joy that comes from that obedience which nothing in this world can replicate.
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15)
Just Passing Through
Remember this, loved ones:
As believers in Christ, we are heirs of the Kingdom of God – and we are just passing through this earthly realm.
“Our citizenship is in heaven.” (Philippians 3:20)
When we live with eternity in mind, happiness finds its proper place. It no longer depends on circumstances, but on Christ.
Final Encouragement
If you are seeking happiness in this new year, look not to the world – but to Jesus.
Walk humbly. Serve faithfully. Love boldly.
And watch how blessed – how truly happy – your life becomes.
Amen and Amen.
To listen to the testimony and amazing words of encouragement from a true soldier for Christ, Nick Vujicic, (one I was blessed to meet recently), click here: DON’T LIMIT GOD | Never Give Up – Nick Vujicic Inspirational & Motivational Video – this message is dedicated lovingly to Nick, as my brother in Christ!