How happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! (Psalm 128:1)
Arthur Brooks is a Harvard professor and author who does research on happiness. He identifies four essential habits of the world’s happiest people. The psalmist also mentions a number of things that make people happy. Psalm 128 was written over 2500 years ago, by an unknown author under the power of the Holy Spirit. The lists are strikingly similar.
Brooks #1 – Practice Faith or a Life Philosophy (Brooks is a practicing Roman Catholic)
Psalm 128:1 – How happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!
Brooks #2 – Stay Close to Family (Brooks is married with 3 children.)
Psalm 128:3 – Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house, your children, like young olive trees around your table.
Psalm 128:6 – and will see your children’s children!
Brooks #3 – Build Real Friendships
The Ascent Psalms were recited by the community of Israelites as they ascended the steps to the Temple in Jerusalem. By definition, they are a communal activity.
Brooks #4 – Find Meaning in Your Work
Psalm 128:2 – You will surely eat what your hands have worked for.
I have built my life around my faith and my family. I have three adult children, who are married, and each family has two children – for a total of six grandchildren! I find much happiness in my children and grandchildren. Notice, however, that the first item that the psalmist mentions is that happiness comes from fearing the Lord and walking in his ways. Delighting in family and fearing the Lord are not two disconnected ideas – they are symbiotic. Be attentive to wonderful family times, even when doing the mundane – these are blessings from the Lord.