Tag Archives: Happiness

May8

DAY 128 (2014)

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Joy is not dependent on our circumstances. It's dependent on our choice... Choose wisely.

Joy is not dependent on our circumstances. It’s dependent on our choice… Choose wisely.

I heard someone say this once: “Joy and happiness are different. Happiness depends on your circumstance, if things are good then you are happy. If things are bad, then you’re not. But joy is a choice it is not dependent on your circumstances. You can choose to be joyful whether your circumstances are good or bad.” I have been thinking about that statement lately, about its truths and the effect it has had on my life. When I started this blog (almost two years ago) life was decidedly less “happy” than it is now. Our family had gone through a really rough time the year prior and as a result there was not much to be happy about. Emotionally I felt like a cartoon character with a dark cloud above my head. Then I heard that statement (and it was a light bulb went off), I thought to myself the only thing that’s keeping me in this mindset is, me. I made a decision to find one thing to be thankful for everyday, one reason to be joyful (and thus began my journey of thankfulness). That journey has changed me from the inside out. God used  it to show me that even if the circumstances were less than stellar if I opened my eyes I could see the GOOD and the GOD in everything. Life is not always “happy”, but we have the opportunity to be “joyful” none the less. We just have to choose it.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the JOY set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

So what’s my plan? Set JOY before me.

Apr3

DAY 93 (2014)

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A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song. (Picture by Lisa R.)

A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.
(Picture by Lisa R.)

I was given an interesting challenge today. It all started with a conversation about getting into college, or more appropriately getting into a “good” college.  My coworker was talking about her daughter’s increasing hard school work. Her daughter normally gets amazing grades, but now she is enrolled in a school that is both high school and college and thus the work load is harder. During the conversation this statement was said, “Have you ever seen a happy poor person? If so, bring them so I can see them.” Gauntlet thrown. Two things came to mind, after the statement. 1.) Who decided that all rich people are happy? 2.) Is money really the only thing that makes a person happy?  Here’s the thing I know lots of people who are poor by societies standards, who happen to be very happy. Why? They found a treasure that is greater and more precious than just earthly riches. They found an EVERLASTING hope. When did we decided that the only way to be happy was not to be poor? Better yet what defines poor? Lack of funds, lack of the latest fad? Each person has his/her own definition and thus even the richest of persons can have areas in which they feel poor. Here’s what I have been learning. Our joy and happiness should and can never be dependent on tangible things. Because they don’t last. It can be here today and gone tomorrow. Our happiness should come from something that does not fade, does not disappear. Our joy and happiness should be found in the love of God. Does that mean we won’t have bad days? No. it simply means that even in the hard times we have hope that does not fade. Hope that allows us to find joy, even in the midst of trials. A joy that causes us to be happy, even if we’re poor.

“Happy is the man who has faith in the Lord, and does not give honor to the men of pride or to those who are turned away to deceit” (Psalm 40: 4).

So what’s my plan of attack? Find my joy and happiness in the unfailing love of God.