Have you lost your HAPPY? (part 2)

In last week's post, we discussed how we're not always given a choice regarding divorce, health or even life. But...

Do we have a choice when it comes to being happy?

Let's gauge our happy level. How many of these phrases have you repeated? 

"I'll be happy when I...

Land the right job.

Make more money.

Meet Mr. Right.

Snag that publishing contract.

Finish school.

You get the idea.

Once you achieved those goals, were you happy? Maybe for a time, right? Until another goal or achievement was added to the list.

Happiness isn't found in a place or thing. It's not an event like a wedding or a divorce.

I'm a firm believer that being

HAPPY involves a choice, a daily decision, on my part.

So, how can a person find their HAPPY? 

Dive into the Word. This is the first place I seek refuge, to find a way out of the darkness, to dig myself out of the hole of discouragement.

I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV) 

Discover who you were created to be (a child of the King) and what you were created for (worship).

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:1-3 (NIV)

Yeah. I know it's not easy to shout for joy when you're slogging through tough times. But, that's what we were made for and praising God will naturally lift your spirit.

Rest on God's promise to never leave you or give up on you. Deut 31:6 (NIV)

Pray. Ask God to help bring the joy back into your heart.

Focus outward, not inward. Get a job, take up a hobby or volunteer for an organization with a cause that you're passionate about. Spending time with others, whether it's of the people or animal variety, takes your mind away from your problems. Always a good thing, right?

Recognize that time heals. Each day that passes lessens the sting of whatever trial or pain you're suffering. Have you ever gone through a bleak period, and then looked back later to realize you'd grown stronger because of it? Take heart in this. Know that tomorrow, while you might still hurt, God will eventually calm the storm. 

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. 

They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. 

Psalm 107:29-30 NIV

Have you lost your HAPPY?

What are you doing to get it back?

Come back next week and we'll discuss specific short-term ideas

to regain your HAPPY.

Stressful Day?

Stressful day?

Sit back and enjoy I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me.

Feel the pressures and troubles slip from your shoulders.

Take a deep breath.

Relax.

Worship.

It's not all about Santa...

it's about Jesus, God's love for us...
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men on

whom his favor rests." ~Luke 2:4-14 NIV

Do you think Mary, being a virgin, asked "why me?"  
And Joseph? 
Knowing Mary was pregnant ~ and the babe wasn't his ~ suffered humiliation and scorn. Yet he obeyed God and took Mary as his wife. They offered their very lives in obedience to God.

The angels offered their praise.

What about you?

What will you offer God today?

God, I give You all that I am. Use me for Your glory. In Your precious Son's name. Amen.