We all know people who are happy because of circumstances and people who are happy in spite of circumstances. Some people are happy because they are healthy, wealthy, and wise. Some people are happy even when they are sick, poor, and foolish. This proves that happiness isn’t something that happens to us, it is a choice we make from the inside.
- Happiness is a choice — it is an act of the will
- Happiness is healthy — it has positive effects on you
- Happiness is contagious — it affects people around you
Consider what the Apostle Paul told the Ephesians when he left them for the last time before going to Rome…
And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed [3107 makarios] to give than to receive.’” When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship. (Acts 20:35-38)
- 3107. makarios
- happy, blessed, to be envied — describes a believer in enviable (“fortunate”) position from receiving God’s provisions (favor) – which (literally) extend (“make long, large”) His grace (benefits). This happens with receiving (obeying) the Lord’s inbirthings of faith. Hence, faith (4102 /pístis) and 3107 (makários) are closely associated (Ro 4:5-7,14:22,23; Rev 14:12,13). –HELPS Word-studies
When the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, he encouraged “wholesome teaching that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed [3107 makarios] God.” (1 Timothy 1:10-11). And in his most important instruction to the young pastor, he said…
But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed [3107 makarios] and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen. (1 Timothy 6:11-16)
Consider the things Paul and his friends had suffered…
- Imprisonments (Acts 12; Acts 16)
- Beatings (2 Corinthians 6; 2 Corinthians 11)
- Torture (Hebrews 11)
Yet, they were happy because they remembered…
Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, that you don’t grow weary, fainting in your souls. (Hebrews 12:1-3; cf. 2 Timothy 2:1-13)
Consider these sources of happiness…
Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3; cf. Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 6:20-23)
Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)
Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him. (Colossians 3:12-17)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, (James 1:2) cf. Matthew 5:12; Romans 5:3; James 5:11; 1 Peter 1:6)
- The Secret of Happiness by Billy Graham — Happiness. It’s what we all long for, what all human beings seek in our jobs, our relationships, our activities. We try so hard to be happy, and all too often we end up empty and unsatisfied. Why? Because, says Billy Graham in this classic work, we are looking for happiness in all the wrong places.
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