Every 365 days we hear the expression, "Happy New Year" once again. You might be interested to know that the word "happy" in the Bible is a Greek word more often translated as "blessed."

When Jesus gave the sermon on the mount He spoke of those that were blessed again and again:

Matthew 5:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

The Greek word translated as "blessed" is the same word found in these verses:

James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

And,

1 Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

As you can see from the three verses given above, to be 'happy' has nothing to do with laughter or enjoying one's self. The Biblical definition for the word ‘happy’ is to be blessed of God.

So yes, have a happy New Year. And if, by God's grace, the Lord has bestowed His mercy upon you, you most certainly will have a happy new year. It may not be full of laughter, and it may not be joyous at all. But you can be sure it will be happy (blessed) because all things that happen to God's elect are turned by God into good things for His elect people. Everything is made a blessing to us as all things work together for our good.

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