Rev. A. J. Ogden

Advertising specialists spend hours ever week trying to come up with new gimmicks to get our attention. We laugh at how silly some of them appear, but the only way we know they are silly is because we watch them. I have to admit it takes seeing some of them a few times before I get the point. Even then, the advertiser has accomplished their goal.

The funniest and most silly one being aired on television today champions Dr. Pepper. The lover shows he will go to any length to satisfy his girlfriend. He even does things that brings embarrassment to himself. But when she reaches for his Dr. Pepper, he is out of there!

What advertisers are really asking us is, “Do you want to live a happy life?” Their answer is simple. Drink our soda, drive our automobile, eat in our restaurant, or watch our television and they will make life enjoyable and you will be happy. We know that is not so. Some of the most unhappy people on earth drive fine automobiles, drink the finest soda available, and have everything modern life provides to bring a lifetime of happiness. Yet, they are lonely. They are miserable. Their life is dull and often isolated. They aren’t happy.

Happiness depends upon much more than enjoying the good life. No believer can live happily by just depending upon the world’s tools. One of David’s Psalms gives us the answer to a happy life. I’d rather have the happiness which is gained by following his insight because it is a happiness that will last throughout eternity.

The 100^th Psalm is a song of thanksgiving. That is the nature of an individual who walks with God. There is so much in life for which we can be thankful. And that thanksgiving flows over into happiness. And David spells out for us how to live a lifetime upon this earth with a happy spirit.

First, David points out that we should “Serve the LORD with gladness.” (v. 2) Peggy and I attended a pastors and deacons, along with their wives, fellowship supper a few days ago. Most Baptist associations do this annually for the deacons and their wives. It is to honor their service in their local churches. It is a recognition which is well deserved. The deacons, or officers of the same capacity in other denominations, are valuable because they serve the Lord gladly. And that is how all of us are to look at service in the Master’s work here upon the earth. If you’ve never tried serving someone in the name of Jesus, do it quickly and note the happiness it brings to your life.

The second thing which David points out is that we should “Acknowledge that the LORD is God.” (v. 3) There aren’t a multitude of gods, there is only one. Don’t get caught teaming up with the doubters, just trust Him. Say to the world in which you travel that the god you serve is the Creator of the world. Don’t be ashamed to claim the only One God as you Savior.

The third point which David makes is that we should “Enter His gates with thanksgiving” (v. 4). He stresses the House of God and He encourages thanks when entering. Perhaps you don’t feel like praising. Do it anyway and burdens are often lifted. Those which aren’t, are much easier to carry. Many a person has entered the church house on Sunday all weighed down with burdens and walked away with happiness showing all over their faces.