The Secret of Happiness

but my misery, not my riches but my need.”

Are we not born poor? Do we not die poor? And would we not be poor indeed without God’s infinite mercy and love? We came out of nothing; and if we are anything, it is because God is everything.

man’s wealth consists not in the abundance of his possessions, but in the fewness of his wants.

The first link between my soul and Christ,” said C. H. Spurgeon, “is not my goodness but my badness, not my merit

All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We must confess our sin as the first step to happiness, peace, and contentment!

the first dimension of “poor in spirit” is a realization of our spiritual poverty.

SECOND:
If we are to be poor in spirit, we must receive the riches thatChrist has provided by His death and resurrection.

Those who are poor in spirit recognize their creatureliness and their sinfulness—but more, they are ready to confess their sins and renounce them.

Where do we get the notion that our idea of success and God’s are the same? You have written a book; you are a clever manager and promoter; you are a talented artist; you are independently wealthy; you have achieved fame and fortune. Without the gifts of intelligence, imagination, personality, and physical energy—which are all endowed by God—where would you be?

Train yourself in godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7–8, rsv).