Happiness

Posts Tagged ‘Happiness’

All These Good Things

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Dreams, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Uncategorized, tagged bible, Contentment, Faith, God, God's Good Gifts, Happiness, Psalm 84:11, satisfaction in life on February 22, 2024| 36 Comments »

Sometime during my teens, workers constructed a new house down the street and around the corner—a white Colonial with pillars—something like this:

I dreamed of living there in its spacious rooms, decorated in classic style, similar to the homes in House Beautiful magazine:

Of course, my dreams included a pool . . .

. . . and my favorite car parked out front, just for me to drive—a baby blue Mustang convertible:

Then I’d be deliriously happy.

And according to Psalm 84:11, those good things should have been mine, right?

After all, I was a pretty good kid—never got in serious trouble.

But now, all these decades later, I know: 1) Any sin at all is enough to separate me from all-righteous God (Isaiah 59:2). And 2) . . .

If it has a price tag, it won’t bring lasting satisfaction.
Chuck Swindoll

Now I realize there’s nothing more I could wish for in this world than what God desires to give me*–gifts that are the result of his ever-perfect goodness, never-ending grace, and breath-taking glory, gifts that are good for me.

Just for fun I challenged myself to list such gifts from A to Z, to celebrate the breadth of his generosity to his children.

I pray you’ll be celebrating too as you peruse the following.

Out of his abundant love, God has graced us with:

Access into his presence any time (Ephesians 2:18)

Bible truth that teaches, guides, and inspires (Psalm 119:24)

Comfort in pain and sorrow (Matthew 5:4)

Delights and blessings (Psalm 103:5)

Enablement to endure life’s downturns (Philippians 4:13), remembering that:

His Forgetfulness of our confessed sins (Hebrews 8:12)

His Grace to redeem us from death (Ephesians 1:7-8)

(The pleasure of) Humor, because the cheerful heart has a continual feast (Proverbs 15:15b)

Immortality with God in heaven (2 Timothy 1:10)

Death is not a period but a comma in the story of life.
Amos Traver

(His) Jealousy that compels him to preserve his relationship with his people (Exodus 20:5)

Kingdom-living and all its benefits (Luke 12:32)

Loving-kindness, lavished upon us (1 John 3:1; Psalm 36:7-9)

Miracles too numerous to count (Job 5:9)

Nature that brims with beauty and wonder (Psalm 104)

Overflow of his benevolence in our lives (Psalm 119:65 NLT)

Promises that never fail (Psalm 145:13b)

Quietness of spirit that offers peace and contentment (Psalm 23:1-2)

Relationships characterized by unity, support, and love (Ephesians 2:17-22)

(The gift of) Song, enlivening our hearts with strength, joy, and encouragement (Psalm 98:4-6)

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
Berthold Auerbach

Truth found in Jesus, setting us free from the impossible burden of earning our way to heaven (John 14:6; 8:32)

Uplift to those who are discouraged, guilt-ridden, and/or grieving (Psalm 145:3-13)

Victory over death, given to us through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Wonders that showcase his power, wisdom, goodness, and more (Psalm 145:3-13)

(The) X-cellence of his character, compelling him to always do the right thing at the right time (Psalm 96:1-6)

(The) Yoke of Jesus, symbolic of his help as we follow his lead (Matthew 11:28-30)

Zion, the eternal city of perfection prepared for his redeemed (Isaiah 35:10)

And now I can affirm more strongly than ever:

God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Including the best dreams of foolish teenage girls.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for showcasing in our lives your marvelous attributes and showering us with so many wondrous gifts! May the eyes of my heart turn away from the baubles of this world and revel instead in the beauty of your character and kingdom—a kingdom where you preside in all your perfections and provide for us all good things. Hallelujah!

*based on a statement by Joni Eareckson Tada, A Quiet Place in a Crazy World, 127

Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com (2); http://www.pexels.com (Dylan Leagh); http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.flickr.com (Kerry Ann Dame); http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net (Sheila Brown); http://www.pxhere.com.

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Three Ways to Boost Your Joy

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Joy, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Deuteronomy 26:11, Finding happiness, Finding joy, Happiness, Psalm 126:3 on February 24, 2022| 36 Comments »

Years ago I came across an amusing, tongue-in-cheek article, “What Your Favorite Color Says about You.” Wish I’d saved it, but alas.

I remember thinking, This will be fun to share with the girls in the faculty lounge during our break. Those girls would be the other fourth grade teachers at my school.

Sure enough, as each colleague revealed her favorite color and I read its meaning, they began to laugh uproariously, because the humorous descriptions fit each person’s personality perfectly. A few times I could hardly get the words out before a giggle-fit would overpower me—even though the article was already familiar.

Had the laughter come while reading to myself? No—not until I shared it.

Surely you’ve noticed this phenomenon, which brings us to the first joy-booster:

Share a joy and expand that joy.

St. Augustine explained it this way:

What a God-given gift—the privilege to contribute happiness to one another, and find our own joy increased as well.

Another joy booster?

Pay attention to detail.

I wonder how many of God’s delightful gifts have escaped my attention because I’ve been distracted?

I’m still striving to live aware and not allow my thoughts to be so focused on events (past, present, or future), what-ifs, or the to-do list, that I miss God’s glory right in front of me.

I want to:

Take note of the graceful sway of the willow trees
Breathe in the aroma of a crisp winter’s morning
Listen attentively to the happy praises of a house sparrow
Pause to truly taste the nutty goodness of freshly brewed coffee
Focus on the cool softness of a rose petal

The incredible gift of the ordinary! Glory comes streaming from the table of life.
Macrina Wiederkehar

Joy Booster #3:

Express gratitude and be filled with joy (Deuteronomy 26:11; Psalm 126:3).

Expressing appreciation for what we already have—even the little things—can profoundly affect our spirits.

For example, I’m grateful for:

Color. God could have created the world in shades of gray; it probably wouldn’t have mattered. But the variety, the interest, and infinite number of color-combinations add such great pleasure to our lives.

Anticipation. The remarkable aroma of garlic and onions simmering in olive oil–a precursor to the savory soup we’ll enjoy in a few hours–all the more flavorful because my husband is making it. (He actually likes to cook!)

The contrast of light and shadow. The security lights on the backsides of the neighbors’ houses create enough glow so tree branches cast lovely criss-cross shadows across the snow.

Steve’s three squeezes when he holds my hand. It means, “I love you;” and we’ve been passing that silent message back and forth for over forty years.

The dimples on a baby’s hand—the epitome of cuteness.

And while contemplating such blessings, I realize afresh why God has told us to rejoice at all times (1 Thessalonians 5:16).

Let’s boost our joy by sharing happiness to those around us, living attentively, and expressing our thanks to God continually!

* * * * * * * * * *

What boosts your joy? Tell us about it in the Comment section below!

Photo credits: pixabay.com; canva.com; geograph.org.uk; pixabay.com; wallpaperflare.com; wikimedia.com; pixhere.com.

(Revised and reblogged from March 29, 2014.)

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The One Exception to Contentment

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Intimacy with God, Joy, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Timothy 6:6, Happiness, perspective, Philippians 4:11, satisfaction in life on January 12, 2017| 27 Comments »

When I was a young girl, my family lived near Chicago in a three-bedroom, one bath home. One car parked in the driveway; there was no garage. My brother and I dreamed of owning an in-ground swimming pool but had to settle for the crowded, over-chlorinated conditions of the community pool.

If someone had told me, “Nancy, when you grow up you will get married, have three children, and live in Florida for forty years. Every home will have two bathrooms and a garage. You’ll eventually own two cars, too. But, best of all, three of your homes will have a swimming pool in the backyard.”

(Sometimes we enjoyed a bigger pool — the Gulf or Atlantic.)

I would have thought, Unbelievable! When all those heavenly things happen, then I’ll be happy and content.

Ah, but during those forty years in Florida I remember thinking on more than one occasion: If only this heat and humidity would let up. It’s like a furnace out there. Or, Why can’t these kids just get along with each other and give me some peace? Or, Houseguests are coming; gotta clean those bathrooms today. Ugh.

Contentment can be an elusive quality. No sooner do we possess one long-desired item, we discover another acquisition to wish for. No sooner have we achieved one level of success, we’re already reaching for the next—with a sideways glance at our neighbor who’s acquired or accomplished more than we have.

We know what scripture tells us: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).

Our spirits sense the truth of it and recognize the gain to be had when craving, grasping, and unrest give way to peace of mind and tranquility of spirit.

But how?

Contentment is a choice of perspective. I can choose to affirm and celebrate my:

Possessions. I have more than enough.
Position. I have experienced more than enough.
Personhood. I am more than enough the way God made me, with my particular personality traits, gifts, and abilities.

Like Paul, I can learn to be content by choosing again and again the proper perspective (Philippians 4:11).

However.

There is one area where contentment is not desirable: in the spiritual realm. I never want to become content with what I already know about God or be satisfied with the current level of intimacy between my Heavenly Father and me.

I want to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus (2 Peter 3:18).

That’s an opportunity for a lifetime. Think of it: we never reach the end of his magnificence and influence. There is always greater knowledge to understand, more wonder to explore, more splendor and growth to experience.

* * * * * * * * * *

Lord, God, may I not look right or left at what others have, or what others have accomplished, or what gifts and talents they display. Keep me mindful of my utmost desire: to know you more intimately, follow you more closely, and live in the contentment of your sufficiency for everything.

Art & photo credits: www.ancestory.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.youtube.com; http://www.pinterest (2).

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Finding Contentment

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, Joy, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged 1 Timothy 6:6, Contentment, Happiness, Importance of Proper Perspective, Philippians 4:12, Positive Perspective, Proverbs 19:23 on February 2, 2015| 19 Comments »

According to research, guess what percentage of our happiness is based on circumstances.

A. 10%?

B. 25%?

C. 50%?

D. 80%?

The answer? Just 10%.

Now why would that be? My guess is, our perspective matters more than our circumstances.

(“Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want,

but the realization of how much you already have.”)

Ah, yes. Gratitude. Definitely an important attitude, contributing to the sweet, even-keel life of contentment. But it doesn’t come naturally to most of us.

Our thoughts, if left untended, can easily fall into a dark hole of:

Self-centeredness. “Yeah, the budget’s tight, but I really need a new car. It’s downright embarrassing to drive around in our old clunker.”

Self-pity. “It’s not fair that I’m not paid what I’m worth. I work so hard.

Self-justification. “I deserve that new car.”

Note the focus on self. And half the time (or more) we don’t even realize how much of our thought life spins around in that dark hole.

How can we possibly climb out? Time and attention are required to develop a mind that frequently contemplates thanks-giving and praise instead of complaint-making and dissatisfaction.

Even the apostle Paul said he had to learn how to be content whatever the circumstances (Philippians 4:12). And like any new skill, developing contentment requires a bit of knowledge and a lot of practice.

The best place for knowledge on such a topic is scripture. Several passages can inform our understanding of contentment.

King Solomon said, “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (Proverbs 19:23).

Not that reverencing God protects us from trouble and every day is glorious. Bad things still happen to good people. But those who reverence God and worship him see life from a different perspective. They can be content even when catastrophe strikes, knowing that God will see them through.

Think about Daniel in the lions’ den, or Peter and Paul in prison.

Paul said he didn’t really care if he was living in plenty or in want (Philippians 4:12). How is that possible? He answers in the next verse, and it’s a familiar one: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Living in plenty–with God–taught Paul how to keep his priorities straight. Living in want–with God–taught Paul to detach himself from “things.”

Paul told Timothy, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).

When we think of a man with “great gain,” we imagine a person with a large, beautifully decorated home, designer suits, two or three cars (for his own use—family members have their own cars), and the capability to go on expensive vacations.

But what about the young Christian father who thanks God every day for his loving wife and two precious kids? Who enjoys a circle of fun, supportive friends at church that also help him keep his priorities straight? This guy lives in a two-bedroom ranch, drives a ten-year old car, and spends vacations taking day trips from home.

Yet he’s rich, too–maybe even more so. It’s just that his riches fall into a different category. He’s rich in relationships, especially with God. “True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth” (I Timothy 6:6, NLT).

Now that we’ve absorbed a bit of scriptural understanding, it’s time to practice what we’ve learned. How can we foster contentment in our spirits?

Cultivate a positive, faith-filled perspective by turning “I wish” statements into “I praise” statements.

Paul was under house arrest in Rome when he wrote to the Christians at Philippi. His days as an adventuring missionary were most likely over; the future looked bleak. Once his trial took place before Nero, Paul knew he could be facing execution.

He might well have said, “I wish I could be back on the road again preaching the gospel. It makes no sense why God has let this happen. I wish he’d get me out of here!“

But Paul’s response was far removed from wishful thinking. He actually praised God that his circumstances were advancing the gospel (Philippians 1:12-18).

Feed our confidence in God, not our comparisons to others. Contentment wells up in our spirits when our thoughts are grounded in scripture, praise, worship, and gratitude.

Focus on the present—look for the blessings of right now. “We will become content as we enjoy each day for what it is rather than moan about what we imagine it could have been” – Bruce Goettsche.

An airline pilot was flying over a lake when he turned to his copilot and remarked, “See that little lake? I used to fish there a lot when I was a kid. Every time a plane would fly overhead I’d think, “Boy, I sure wish I was flying that plane. It must be so wonderful to soar through the sky and see for miles and miles. Now do you know what I’m thinking? How I wish I was down on that lake fishing!”

I don’t want to be like that pilot. I want to be like Paul.

(Art credits: www.covgrace.org; www,janellenichol.com; http://www.quoteimage.com; http://www.ponderingtheheartofjesus.com; www.i.mobypicture.com.)

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Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Generosity, Hope, Joy, Service, tagged Appreciation, Blessing, Contentment, Encouragement, Gratitude, Happiness, Hope, Joy, Thanksgiving on August 15, 2013| 16 Comments »

On January 17, 2005, this title emblazoned the cover of Time Magazine: “The Science of Happiness.”

On December 5, 2008, the Associated Press released this article: “Smile! Study Says Happiness is Contagious.”

And the entire January/February 2012 issue of the Harvard Business Review was dedicated to: “The Value of Happiness.”

For over a decade now, a large group of scientists and researchers have turned their attention to the study happiness.

Some of their findings are valuable to know:

Happy people live longer. In one study, the happiest group lived nine years longer than the unhappiest group. When you consider that cigarette smoking can shorten one’s life three to six years, depending on how much a person smokes, it becomes clear the effect of happiness is huge.

Once the basic necessities of food, clothing, and shelter are taken care of, extra riches do not make people happier. Scientists think it’s because we adapt to pleasure, and it quickly wears off.

Relationships are key. The wider and deeper the relationships, the happier we’re going to be.

As the researchers have studied happy people, they have discovered common characteristics. Happy people tend to:

A. Notice more of the positive details of their lives. These people have learned how to savor the small, joyful moments as well as the memorable, euphoric ones.

B. Appreciate more. Grateful people even sleep better!

C. Think optimistically. Those who have a sense of purpose, who look forward with hopeful expectation to the future, are more satisfied with their lives.

D. Give generously of their time and resources. Researchers discovered that it was the giver who actually reaped more benefits than the receiver.

E. Empathize with others. They have learned to put themselves in the place of others, in order to understand their situations. They genuinely care about others and demonstrate compassion. Researchers found that compassion contributes to health and more productive living. The side effect? Happiness.

As I’ve perused these findings, I couldn’t help but smile. Everything secular research is “discovering” about happiness is already laid out in scripture!

Take the three findings mentioned above.

1. Happy people enjoy a longer life. God says, “With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation” (Psalm 91:16). Also, “Do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity” (Proverbs 3:1-2). In other words, long life and prosperity come to those who know God and obey his Word. In fact, as his children (those who have received Jesus into their lives), we have eternal life to look forward to!

2. Riches do not guarantee happiness. Solomon figured that out eons ago. “I denied myself nothing,” he said. “Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done, and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11).

3. Relationships are key. The most important and valuable relationship we can have is with Jesus. When we accept him into our lives, he calls us friends (John 15:15). Jesus wants to give us life to the full (10:10) so that our joy may be complete (15:11). Relationships with other Christians can also be highly gratifying. The bonds of faith and friendship forge a deep familial connection (Proverbs 18:24b).

Scripture also verifies the five characteristics of happy people:

A. Attention — to the positive details of life. The psalmists were masters at drawing our attention to the beauty and grandeur of creation, God’s amazing ability to engineer circumstances, and His glorious attributes at work in our lives. We would be wise to do the same.

B. Gratitude. Paul instructed us, “Rejoice in the Lord always…In everything, by prayer…with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God…will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7). Is not peace of mind closely related to happiness? Surely we cannot have one without the other.

C. Optimism. The Christian’s optimism is not based on wishful thinking. We have a strong foundation for our hope: God himself. David affirmed that truth when he wrote, “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him” (Psalm 62:5). And what is the result of that hope? “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God…the Lord, who remains faithful forever” (Psalm 146:5-6).

D. Generosity. The researchers almost echo word for word what Jesus taught: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

E. Empathy. Compassion is an extension of generosity. As we give attention, understanding, and care to others, we experience a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in our spirits. It is not only more blessed to give money or material goods, it is more blessed to give of ourselves.

One neuroscientist involved in the study of happiness said…

… happiness could best be described as a state of contentment.

And A.W. Pink, author of Comfort for Christians wrote…

“Contentment is the product of a heart resting in God.”

That, my friends, is the key to happiness: resting in God.

(Photo credits: newpathwaytohealing.com ; lifeingeneral.blogspot.com ; rncentral.com ; zazzle.com ; my.opera.com)

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From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Posts Tagged ‘Happiness’

All These Good Things

Three Ways to Boost Your Joy

The One Exception to Contentment

Finding Contentment

Happiness

Nancy Ruegg

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