What makes for a happy life? Money, cars, trucks, football, hunting?  All these things can help or discourage happiness, but true happiness must be based on something greater. 

Find something to rejoice over

God’s Book says, 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4. 

To rejoice is to “have joy again.” But how can we do that on a daily basis?  Look again and see that we are told to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Only in Jesus can we always find reasons to have a happy and blessed life. 

I can always rejoice because:

• Jesus loves me, this I know
• The Bible tells me so
• My sins are forgiven
• My soul is safe with God
• My reservation has been made–John 14:1-4. 

Keep anxiety from your thinking. 

Much of the negativity of daily living can be avoided by calming down. God has repeatedly told us not to worry. Paul said it wonderfully: 

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication 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 minds in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:5-7.

God says, “calm down.”  If you can’t fix it, then “cast all your cares on Him for he cares for you.”  

Keep thinking good thoughts. 

We can’t focus on the negative so we must focus on the positive. Your mind has to be occupied with something. It will focus on something bad or something great. Remember “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”  So think on great things–Godly things. 

Philippians 4:8, 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Stay active. 

“There is much to do. There is work on every hand.” That’s a good thing. Jesus said I must work the works of him who sent me while it is yet day. The night is coming when no man shall work.”  Heaven is for rest and reward. Life now is great because of the great service rendered. 

In order to overcome negative events and negative thinking, we must stay involved in positive activities. In order to focus on spiritual things, we must be active in spiritual activities.

Philippians 4:9 says,

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

No greater advice for the sufferer or for one looking for an improved quality of life. Be active in the Lord’s work–1 Corinthians 15:58. 

God help us to focus on you and your love. Help us to be active in your work to be blessed with you.