Growing Happiness

“He that handles a matter wisely shall find good: and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he”.  (Proverbs 16:20 KJV)

Margaret Young a popular singer in the 1920’s said,”Often people attempt to live their lives backwards; they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier.  The way it actually works is the reverse.  You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want.”

Money and things can never make you happy. If you want to be really happy:

First you must realize who you really are: a child of God.

“For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith”. Galatians 3:26)

Then you must do what God requires you to do: get to know him, obey him, and trust him.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”. Romans 12:2

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2

Then you will be happy.

“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:4-6)

*****

"The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet".  James Openheim

*****