Friday, January 11, 2008
How to be happy
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help. — Psalm 146:5
Everyone wants to be happy. But many fail in their quest to find that elusive prize because they are looking in the wrong places.
Proverbs 16:20 tells us, “Whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.” And Psalm 146:5 indicates that happiness comes to those who find their help and hope in God.
The foundation for happiness is a proper relationship with the Lord. But to fully experience that happiness, we must build on that foundation in practical ways. I found this list of Ten Rules for Happier Living:
1. Give something away.
2. Do a kindness.
3. Give thanks always.
4. Work with vim and vigor.
5. Visit the elderly and learn from their experience.
6. Look intently into the face of a baby and marvel.
7. Laugh often — it’s life’s lubricant.
8. Pray to know God’s way.
9. Plan as though you will live forever — you will.
10. Live as though today is your last day on earth.
These are excellent ideas for living a happy life. Undergird each of these rules with praise, and your happiness will be complete. “Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord” (Ps. 146:1-2). — Richard De Haan
Happiness is to know the Savior,
Living a life within His favor,
Having a change in my behavior;
Happiness is the Lord. — Stanphill
READ: Psalm 146
Trusting and obeying the Lord brings true happiness.