Do you want to know what the secret to always being happy is? Well the answer is.. I have no clue. I think as humans we are entitled to have different emotions that range from unpleasant to pleasant on a daily basis. However, I have learned to have joy in all circumstances. If you know me, you know that I am a pretty joyful person, I always find something to smile about. But isn't happiness and joy the same thing you might ask? Not exactly.
Happiness comes and goes, it is a result of circumstance and circumstances are temporary just like happiness is temporary. For example, if you get a promotion, you’re happy, if you meet someone you have an interest in, you're stomach is fluttery and your heart is happy, if things in your life are going really good, happy. But if you get laid off, you fight with your spouse or something really bad happens to someone you love, that happiness can seem nowhere in sight.
I prefer to view my glass as half full, not half empty. Our attitude is based on perspective. Joy on the is a result of perspective. While the grass may sometimes look greener on the other side, I choose to be thankful for the grass that's on my side and I choose to do what it takes to tend to and water the grass that I’ve been given. I hope in watching the grass flourish on my side instead of neglecting it and setting my eyes on someone else's blessing.
One of my pet peeves is people who are always complaining. Complaining does not change our circumstance, so I figured we might as well make the best of what we are given. It's not circumstances that break us, it’s how we choose to have the circumstance affect us that determines the impact situations have on us.
One of my pet peeves is people who are always complaining. Complaining does not change our circumstance, so I figured we might as well make the best of what we are given. It's not circumstances that break us, it’s how we choose to have the circumstance affect us that determines the impact situations have on us.
I find that gratitude is an essential part of my joyful attitude. Psalm 100:4. When I’m not having the best day, I think about the things in my life that I’m thankful for and that always puts things back into perspective. Philippians 4:8. I am most thankful for my relationship with the Lord, which gives me peace and joy that can never be taken away.
My happiness used to be based on my weekend plans, partying and drinking with friends, my relationships, my finances, my next vacation, yet, it was all still never enough. It wasn't until my relationship with the Lord opened me up to a genuine joy and peace I had never experienced before, joy and peace that only comes from Him and surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:11-13)
My happiness used to be based on my weekend plans, partying and drinking with friends, my relationships, my finances, my next vacation, yet, it was all still never enough. It wasn't until my relationship with the Lord opened me up to a genuine joy and peace I had never experienced before, joy and peace that only comes from Him and surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:11-13)
Many people think that success or material substance will make them happy but I’ve noticed that some people have so much yet so little joy and then there are those who have so little and yet so much joy. #perspective
Philippians 4:4 says to rejoice in the Lords always. I choose to always rejoice. Yes, pain is inevitable, but misery is optional. I choose to not to be a victim of my circumstances but victorious in overcoming my trials. Sometimes it's not our circumstance that needs to change, it’s our heart and perspective that does. I believe there is always purpose in the things that happen to us. Sometimes bad things happen that I may not understand but I can rejoice by being confident in God’s sovereignty. (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28)
When we're in God's will, the sufferings we go through can be used to further the gospel. Suffering can make for a great testimony if we allow God to walk us through the suffering and we can experience how God can help us through hard times. I think about Paul in the Bible and the suffering and persecution he went through, yet because he was anchored in Christ, he always had a reason to hope, trust and endure. He even wrote the book of Philippians (the most joyful book in the Bible) while imprisoned. His testimony shows that the trials we go through can be used to glorify God and that is a reason within itself to rejoice about. (John 10:10)
God is the potter and we are the clay. With the clay in His hands, He molds us into His liking that is meant to be used according to His purposes. He is the light that lives in us and if He allows parts of us to break and cracks to form, it only allows God to shine through us that much more.
No matter what has happened to me, God is always good and I am grateful. My joy is not determined by what happens to me but what Christ is doing in me and through me. Every day is a gift. (Psalm 118:24) God gave salvation and by His grace changed me from the inside out. He is my joy.
Jesus, your love, is better than life.
Jesus, your love, is better than life.
