THE HOPE FOR HAPPINESS
“….Yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.” Psalm 144:15
In June of 1783, just months before the signing of the Treaty of Paris that formally concluded the War for Independence, George Washington wrote a letter to the governors of the thirteen states announcing his intention to resign his position as commander in chief of the American army and laying out a vision for the future nation. He concluded with these words:
“I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you and the State over which you preside, in His holy protection; that He would incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the field—and finally, that He would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind, which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation.”
O how we need such wise leaders today! Whether you consult the Bible or consider history, it is clear that there is no hope for happiness unless we yield to God as Lord over all. The greatest contribution we can make for our country is to live for Christ. And there is no hope for happiness nor heaven without a personal relationship with Christ the Redeemer. Then with faith in God’s Word, and following God’s ways, we can fulfill God’s will and find blessings that nothing else can bring. HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, TX
