Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.
Psalm 146:5
Recommended Reading: Psalm 31:24
In the eighth century B.C., Assyria threatened Israel and smaller surrounding nations, some of whom went to Egypt to seek the protection of the Pharaoh. But the prophet Isaiah warned Israel against making alliances with Egypt: “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord!” (Isaiah 31:1) Egypt was known for its horses and chariots (1 Kings 10:28-29), so it was only natural to turn to Egypt for help.
It might have been natural, but it wasn’t wise. The psalmist repeated this refrain: “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” (144:15) That means people whose hope and trust are in the Lord, not in military might or alliances with non-believers. The same is as true for individuals as it is for nations—our hope is to be in God.
Be one of the happy people by making the Lord your God your ally, your help, and your hope.
Happiness in God involves an act of will toward the God who’s there and who loves us.
Randy Alcorn