Choose Happiness, Plan for Joy!
One of the greatest discoveries anyone can make in life is that happiness is a choice. You cannot effectively pursue happiness, but you may choose it and appropriate it unto yourself anytime and under any ciscumstances.
Psychologist Eugene Kennedy commented: “Happiness approaches us sideways, catching us when we are not even looking in its direction, surprising us when we are able to forget ourselves.”
Choosing happiness and planning for joy is far more possible and realizable for a child of God, whose security is not in self, not on institutions, nor on anyone or anything else. Rather, one’s confidence is in the God Who affirmed: “For I know the plans I have for you…plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). And God’s ways are truly extravagant on behalf of all His children. Be sure you are truly eligible for receiving and enjoying them. Avoid missing any of them!
We never know completely what the future holds, but we know with certainty Who holds the future, and He has always been reliable and loving to His own. Part of His plan and design is that His children live in fellowship with Him. He also intends that we experience genuine fulfillment throughout all our days - not necessarily on things but in Himself. We have a loving Father in heaven, Who is with us collectively and individually, never leaving nor forsaking any who truly belongs to Him.
Whatever God allows to happen to any of His children is for a purpose, and all His designs have their well-being in view. He has given us minds and creativity to get us out of a rut and live radiantly all our days. Maybe it is time for you to dream new dreams and make enough room for God to fit in them. In other words, discover His very dreams for you. To that end, saturate your life with God’s Truth to withstand the fiery darts of the enemy and more fully experience daily joy!
On the other hand, remember that life on earth is not trouble-free. Thus, whenever trials come, you can still remain courageous and strong. After all, even adversities may be advances in God’s design for His people! In the words of W.T. Purkiser, “faith grows strong and steady only as it is exercised against the hard pressures of adverse circumstances.”
And Lutheran author, Carl W. Berner, offers a challenge with the reminder that “yesterday’s mercy and tomorrow’s promise inspire today’s trust.” Therefore, in times of difficulty, or in times of relative peace, God wants you to get out of your self, away from mediocre solutions, giving no heed to negative prescriptions.
What at any moment may feel so unpleasant and appear so unfair, can be the very thing God may be using as a source of blessing for you, and to others through you. Life is full of serendipities; but it’s only through risk and involvement that one is able to experience them in a meaningful way.
Live all your days with an unshakable assurance of ultimate victory over all trials and circumstances. God is still on the throne! Thus, choose happiness now and plan for joy always!
