HAPPY!

Acts 16:25, Acts 26:2, 2Corinthans 11:16-31

What makes you happy? Many times this can be a tough question to answer or one we wish not to answer. Why? Because when we begin to break it down, we see that what causes us to be happy are things and people.   Things and people also can be the things that bring us the greatest pain and heart ache. When we allow our happiness to be based on external things, then we become like the weather, subject to a moment’s change. One moment, happy and go lucky, then something breaks or someone says something and “BAM!” change is coming. None of us like it, but we do this so many times allowing our happiness, joy, and good attitudes to be based on how others treat us or what things we have in our possession.

When you take the time to look at the life of Paul, he went through a lot of hard times, torture, and moments that would cause many of us to break. When he was chained up in a prison, what did he do? He sang praises! After being shipwrecked, what did he do? He praised! When people said things about him, called him names other than his given name? ….Oh yes! He praised God! Praise became a constant pattern in the life of Paul. Tough time, after tough time, praise, praise, praise!

Paul’s focus was never on the situation. His focus was on God. God, who when everyone else may leave him, Paul knew wouldn’t. His happiness had to do with who he knew he was, within the relationship he had, with God! He didn’t look at the murderer he used to be or the torture he had caused in the past. He knew that he was a new creation through Christ Jesus! He looked at who God was, who God is, and who God is in the future. God is constant. He made the choice to praise and find happiness in the manifested presence of God! You and I today need to make the CHOICE to be happy and not allow things, people, or situations dictate how we should be! You tell yourself how you will be and begin to praise God and find happiness in the manifested presence of God!

Daily Challenge:Each morning when you wake up spend a few minutes reading God’s Word. Then look in the mirror and speak out loud to yourself, “I am a child of the King! I am made in His image! I will have a great day!” Turn on your favorite praise song and start singing. Throughout your day when problems arise, don’t focus on the problem, but focus on WHO is helping you and begin to praise God. Even if you’re in an area where you cannot make noise, meditate on the praise, and ask for God’s help.