You Need to Do This When You Want to Be Happy

| |

Sharing is caring!

We all want to be happy which is defined as well-being or contentment. If that's true shouldn't we be better at it? #BibleStudy #Faith  #HappyLife #CountingMyBlessings

We all want to be happy!

Something the dictionary defines as a state of well-being or contentment.

Yet, I’m not sure that’s the definition most of us are trying to attain.

Why?

Because then happiness wouldn’t be something to be attained in the next big thing…

The next vacation, purchase, or relationship.

If happiness is simply a state of well-being and contentment we should be happier, shouldn’t we?

Paul wrote to Timothy…

If we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

1 Timothy 6:8

Something to eat and something to wear is not typically the measure by which we weigh our level of happiness, is it?

Yet, I’ve seen people who seem to have everything life has to offer and they’re miserable; and I’ve seen people who barely have enough to get by each day who exude happiness.

What’s the difference?

I believe there are a few things people who are happy do differently than those who are not.

  1. They don’t play the comparison game.
  2. They have an eternal perspective.
  3. They don’t confuse happiness and joy.
We all want to be happy which is defined as well-being or contentment. If that's true shouldn't we be better at it? #BibleStudy #Faith  #HappyLife #CountingMyBlessings

You Need to Avoid the Comparison Trap

I have to tamp down the comparison temptation all the time and social media doesn’t help.

It’s so easy for you and me to compare our every day unexciting to our friends’ perfect pictures and exciting announcements. Facebook and Instagram are flooded with photos that invite us to compare our homes and our stuff, our success or lack of it, our children’s success or lack of it, our _____________ (you fill in the blank).

Simply put, comparison is the thief of contentment; and remember, contentment is one of the definitions for happiness.

Paul wrote to the people in Philippi…

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:12–13

I’m always humbled when I read about all Paul suffered as a servant of the Lord. He was whipped, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, and imprisoned. And yet, he wrote that the secret to contentment through all these circumstances was found in Christ, the One who gave him strength.

Paul also wrote to Timothy…

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

1 Timothy 6:^–8

Faith in Jesus gave Paul the contentment that comes from having an eternal perspective and that changes everything.

You Need to Have an Eternal Perspective

Jesus answer to not worrying about having enough for life was…

Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:32–33

When you and I seek the Lord above everything else and surrender our lives to Him our perspective changes.

Paul wrote…

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

2 Corinthians 4:18

I love this quote from C. S. Lewis…

“Our life on Earth is the first page of a never ending story.”

And when you and I live in light of eternity everything changes … every little decision, every relationship, every want, and every need.

We all want to be happy which is defined as well-being or contentment. If that's true shouldn't we be better at it? #BibleStudy #Faith  #HappyLife #CountingMyBlessings

You Need to Find Your Joy in Jesus

The dictionary defines joy as the feeling of great pleasure and happiness but for you and me there is a slight difference between the two.

Joy is something that grows in your soul because of your faith.

We have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace[a with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

Romans 5:1–2

And Jesus said this about joy…

I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 

So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.

John 15:11, John 16:20,

Look at this list of reasons we can find our joy in Jesus…

  • We are loved by God, Himself. John 3:16
  • We are covered by His grace. Ephesians 2:4–5
  • We are forgiven. Ephesians 1:7
  • We have the assurance of heaven. John 10:27–28
  • We have His presence. Matthew 28:20
  • We know He hears our prayers. 1 John 5:14
  • We have His help. Hebrews 13:6
  • We have His protection. 1 Peter 1:5
  • We have God’s peace that passes understanding. Philippians 4:7
  • We have strength. Philippians 4:13

And friend, those things never change for a child of God.

You and I can proclaim with David…

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.

Psalm 28:7

Happiness that is based on today’s circumstances is fragile and can’t last.

But happiness that is based on the eternal blessings you and I have in Jesus … is a well-being and contentment you and I can enjoy every single day now and forever.

And most important…

You Need to Seek God First

Jesus said…

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.

Luke 12:31

Remember … happiness is defined as a state of well-being and contentment.

I believe God wants that for us and when we seek Him first, when we trust His will, and follow where He leads … well-being and happiness become part of that everything.

How can I say that?

Because I know when I’ve taken my eyes off the Lord and chased after worldly happiness, I’m neither content or happy. I’m anxious and stressed out. I’m a mess.

But when I rest in Him. When I spend time with Him through His Word and prayer. When I focus on loving Him and loving others (Luke 10:27) then I have everything I need … peace, joy, contentment, and yes, true happiness.

I’m praying for you today, and I’m asking God to bless you and give you everything you need to find your happiness in Him.

God bless you!

We would love to pray for you.
You can leave your prayer requests here

and even take a few minutes to pray over the list left by our friends.

Never Miss an Update

Leave your email address and I’ll send you a short email every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to alert you to each new devotion. Plus you’ll receive a copy of 30 Ways to Bless Your Marriage and Keep the Spark Burning

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi” and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Reply to Deb Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

14 Comments

  1. Robert McCarty says:

    Gods blessings for a truly joyous day!

    1. Thank you, Robert! May your day be full of blessings and joy as well!

    1. Thank you, my friend! Wow, you bless me!!

  2. Wow, may God bless you and abound you with more grace to serve him and the sheep his entrusted you to sherpherd. Thank you so much , blessings.

    1. Thank you so much, Erina! I am so humbled and blessed to be able to this each day. I appreciate your kind encouragement. God bless you!

  3. He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. You helped me today, Deb. Wonderful reminder that indeed I’m so blessed to be helped by God. Thank you, Deb

    1. Oh, thank you, Theresa. I am so blessed by your kind encouragement! God bless you!

  4. oksana mosiak says:

    Thank you – you are a blessing to me and i can’t express how much your words/prayers comfort me…wishing you a joy filled day!!

    1. Oksana, I’m so glad this blessed you and brought you comfort! Thank you so much for stopping to say “hello.” God bless you!

  5. Marizela Cruz says:

    Hi Deb, God bless you and thank you for the time you take to bless us all here with your posts. My name is Marizela and Ian married to my husband Carlos. We have two adults boys and a 12 yr old daughter. I am seeking help in prayer for my marriage and my family. Sometimes I feel alone but I know Hod prompted me to reach out to you for help in this area. I am in need of a breakthrough, I may not say what’s happening in details but our God knows them all. Thank you so much in advance for all of time you take to help others for the glory of God. Amen.
    May God continue to use you to bring others to Him. God bless you!

    1. Marizela, God does know all that you are going through. I am happy to be able to pray for you. I’m asking God to bless you and to meet every need. God bless you!

  6. Tina Gigliotti says:

    I’m so grateful to God that I found you and your site.
    On a day flooded with tears, out of desperation I prayed and I believe He lead me here.
    I’ve read many of your posts as well as some others that you have linked to your site … such treasures! I’ve also shared you with my sister and she too is now a subscriber.

    May God continue to bless you as you help the rest of us keep life in it’s proper perspective : )

    1. Oh, Tina, I am so very blessed by your comment! I’m sorry you’re going through this difficult time. I’ve prayed for you today! Thank you so much for your kind encouragement! God bless you!