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HOW
TO BE HAPPY
Happiness is something that everyone desires. We search
for happiness in our homes, places of employment, recreational
activities, schools, future plans and other areas of life.
Some people spend much of their lives searching for happiness,
though never seeming to find it.
What does it mean to be happy? If you were to ask a
millionaire to define happiness, he or she might say that to
be happy is to have a billion dollars. If you were to ask a
nine-year old boy what happiness is, he might answer that
happiness is being ten years old. If this question were asked
to a political candidate, happiness might be defined as
winning an upcoming election. To the athlete happiness might
be winning an athletic event. To someone who enjoys
socializing, happiness might be getting together with friends
at a party. The question of what does it mean to be happy will
vary depending on whom the question is asked.
True happiness cannot be found in any of these
superficial areas. These things cannot bring lasting
happiness. To the athlete the exuberant feeling only endures
briefly, then it is time to begin preparing for another game.
To the millionaire, another million must be made to experience
some form of joy. The socialite looks for one more party to
attend. The pursuit of happiness can be endless. Can lasting
happiness be found at all?
The Bible addresses sources of happiness. The things
that God reveals about happiness are often overlooked by the
world. People often take these simple pleasures for granted.
Happiness is possible, but we must trust our Creator who knows
us best to reveal where such hidden treasures can be found.
1.
Happiness is found in being corrected by God.
"Behold, happy is the man who God correcteth; therefore
despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty" (Job
5:17).
2.
Happiness is found in working an honest day for an honest
day's pay.
"For thou shalt eat the labor of thine hands: happy shalt
thou be, and it shall be well with thee" (Psalm 128:2).
3.
Happiness is found in being the children of Almighty God.
"Happy is that people… whose God is the Lord"
(Psalm 144:15).
4.
Happiness is found in obeying the will of the Father.
"…he that keepeth the law, happy is he" (Prov.
29:18).
5.
Happiness is found in giving to those in need.
"He… that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he" (Prov.
14:21).
6.
Happiness is found in having a tender heart that can be
pricked by God's Word.
"Happy is the man that feareth always; but he that
hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief" (Prov.
28:14).
Are
you a happy person? Where are you searching for happiness? God
has revealed where true happiness can be found.
Barry
Gilbreath, Jr.
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