Hands up if you want to experience bliss! I do. And hands up if you feel you're subjected daily to subtle and not-so-subtle insinuations that bliss comes from getting this car or that companion, earning this much money, and being admired by that many people. It doesn't work that way, even according to newspapers and other media that trumpet such promises. They also parade stories of "ideal" relationships gone sour, unhappy millionaires, and lonely celebrities. Clearly such "bliss" comes with a sting in its tail!
Not just a personal "high," spiritual bliss leads to permanent peace.
There weren't newspapers or televisions in the days of Job, a character written about in the Bible. But if there had been, his story would have made prime material for tabloid papers and television shows. From a life of great prosperity and respect, he suddenly crashed tragically low to destitution, disease, despair. A new understanding of God eventually came to light for Job, however, and this restored him spiritually. Consequently he saw beyond his self-concern and unselfishly prayed for others. This undoubtedly helped them. But it also led to Job's own restored well-being and wealth.
