Keys to a Happy Heart

Today’s passage is Deuteronomy 8:10-20, in which we learn a number of keys to a happy heart.  Let’s go!

Deuteronomy 8:10 (NIV)
¹⁰  When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.

On verse 10:  A lot of us out of habit pray before we eat, which is good.  How about try praying after we eat!  That is, when you’ve received something good, even what might seem ordinary or small, praise the Lord for it, for every good gift comes from God.  What is something “ordinary” or “small” you received today that you can thank God for?

Deuteronomy 8:11-14 (NIV)
¹¹  Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.
¹²  Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down,
¹³  and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied,
¹⁴  then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

On verses 11-14:  Moses knew that the Israelites were prone to wander away from God when things are going well and when life is relatively easy.  So Moses warns them: never forget how much you need God every day and in every season.  Likewise, may we always have a heart to seek the Lord and to praise Him, both in the good times and in the tough times.

Deuteronomy 8:15-16 (NIV)
¹⁵  He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock.
¹⁶  He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you.

On verses 15-16:  Moses warns the Israelites not to forget about all the miraculous ways God provided for them.  Likewise, remind yourself often about the miracles God has done in your life.

Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (NIV)
¹⁷  You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.”
¹⁸  But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

On verses 17-18:  Remember that even the ability to produce wealth comes from God – “for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (v18).  May we always give God the credit for any blessings we receive and any success we achieve.

Deuteronomy 8:19-20 (NIV)
¹⁹  If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed.
²⁰  Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God.

On verses 19-20:  What’s a sure fire way to end up depressed, disillusioned and destroyed?  Worship something other than the Lord.  For you were made to worship the Lord and serve Him only – in that there is true and lasting joy, peace, and hope.

Father, thank You that I got to wake up to a new day.  Thank You for food to eat.  Thank You that my eyes can read this message right now.  Thank You for every “ordinary” blessing, which is actually amazing.  Thank You also for the big and extraordinary ways You have delivered me and provided for me in the past.  Thank You for the ability to produce wealth, which I wouldn’t have if not for You.  Thank You that in You I find joy, peace and hope.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN!