Articles
Be Happy
Be Happy
He that gives heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he (Proverbs 16:20)
Happiness can be defined as being in a state of well-being and contentment. Being content is a choice we make. Paul says in Philippians 4:11, “Not that I speak from want for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am.” Then he says in verse 11, “I can do all things through Him that strengthens me.”
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” How true that is, for you see, happiness (contentment) is a matter of thought. It will not always be easy or quick to find happiness but we can if we make up our minds to fill our hearts under all circumstances with that which is honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, those things that are excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8-9).
We have a choice as to how we act whether there is sunshine in our souls or dark clouds are hanging over our heads. The choice we make will determine whether or not we will be happy and contented or be miserable, crying out, woe is me. True and lasting happiness will only come when we choose to give our hearts to God, holding back nothing, letting Him through His word guide us through all the twists and turns of this life (Proverbs 23:26, Prov. 3:1-2, Psalms 48:14, Colossians 3:1-2). There will be times when we will find ourselves in situations that trouble us greatly. In those times we will find ourselves drifting into a state of unhappiness that will be only momentary if we lift up our eyes unto the hills from whence comes our help (Psalms 121:1-8, Psalms 46:1, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Hebrews 4:13-16).
As a child of God, we should be the happiest people on the face of this earth. We should be impressed and thankful to Him every day of our lives, under all circumstances, that we have the privilege and honor of being called children of God (1John 3:1-3, Gal. 3:26-29). We have been redeemed, washed clean in the blood of Jesus, our sins are forgiven (Col. 1:12-14). Our souls have been purified by obedience to the truth (1 Pet. 1:22). We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a people for His own possession who have been called out of darkness into marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9). Under all circumstances of life, we carry within us the promise of one day living forever in the wonderful city of God (John 14:1-3, 2 Cor. 5:1-9). Now, tell me, why should we not be the happiest people on the face of this earth, rejoicing always in the Lord (Phil. 4:4-6).
I, for one, am convinced that when the words of Psalms 23, Isaiah 40:28-31, Isaiah 12:2-3, Romans 8:28-39 Heb.13:5-6 are implanted firmly in our hearts, they will lift up our spirit, put a smile on our face and a gleam in our eyes enabling us to be happy and contented under any and all circumstances of this life. Listen to James as he tells us, “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord and He will lift you up” (James 4:10). To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen.—2 Tim 4:18)
Charles Hicks, Gallatin Tennessee
