ESTHER 1:1, 3-4

Now it came to passin the days of Ahasuerus (this wasthe Ahasuerus who reigned over one
hundred and twenty-seven provinces, from India to Ethiopia). . . that in the third year of his
reign he made a feast for all his officials and servants-the powers of Persia and Media, the
nobles, and the princes of the provinces being before him-when he showed the riches of his
glorious kingdom and the splendour of his excellent majesty for many days, one hundred and
eighty daysin all.
A number of years ago a popular fad was to complete the phrase “Happiness is . . . ” Some
suggested that happiness is a cuddly warm puppy; others said happiness is having good
health, a comfortable home, money in the bank, a close family or loyal friends.
Had someone asked the Persian king Ahasuerus about happiness, he probably would have
answered, “Victoryin battle.” Ahasuerus was gearing up to wage war against Greece.
It wasn’t that he needed more land; at its height the Persian Empire controlled nearly two
million square miles. Nor did he need more wealth. It took 180 days for Ahasuerus to
display all his possessions. None of this, however, made him happy.
Ahasuerus later failed in his attempt to conquer the Greeks. He was defeated at the battle
of Salamis and retreated home to lick his wounds. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway.
True happiness can no more be found in military victory than in material possessions.
Instead, as the children’s song expresses it, “Happiness is to know the Savior, living a life
within His favor, having a change in my behavior. Happiness is the Lord.”
What are you looking to for happiness? Family, friends and sufficient material
possessions are important. But knowing that your sins are forgiven and you’re on your way
to heaven is real happiness.
If you haven’t received Jesus Christ as your Savior, do so today. If you already have a
personal relationship with the Lord, take a few moments to meditate on all your blessings.
SUCCESS IS GETTING WHAT YOU WANT; HAPPINESS IS WANTING WHAT
YOU GET.
WOODROW KROLL
www.backtothebible.in