The result of obedience to the Word of God is joy, “for the Lord had made them joyful” (Ezra 6:22). Despite what man may teach, true joy comes from God and not by following our own wills, or, as we often hear, following our hearts. Unless our hearts’ affections are guarded by the breastplate of faith (1 Thess. 5:8) and restrained by the breastplate of righteousness (Eph. 6:14), our hearts will lead us astray. The path of obedience to the Word of God is the path of true happiness.