As we begin our walk with the Lord, we find ourselves, at first, walking in oversized shoes, but as we grow in His Word and Grace, our Father’s shoes get more and more comfortable.
What does the word happy mean to you? The Merriam-Webster definition is that happiness is “characterized by well-being and contentment.”
I’m sure we can all agree that usually the state of being content comes and goes depending on our circumstances. The truth that I’ve discovered is that happiness isn’t a destination but a journey. It’s not something we find, but something we create.
Every day is truly a gift. Sometimes these gifts are obvious. Other times these blessings are hidden in the trials we face. But these gifts are always there waiting to be discovered.
If you’re looking for a key to unlock more happiness in your life- start with gratitude. It helps us appreciate what we have, and therefore helps us stay content. True happiness isn’t found in material things but in the love and peace of God.
Consider how you introduce yourself to someone new. You might say something like, “Hi, I’m Janine and I’m a school principal.” Or, “Hi, I’m Jake and I’m an engineer”.
In these examples, we say our name followed by our job title or some major accomplishment. It’s easy for us to get so wrapped up in what we do, that it becomes who we think we are.
In contrast, God values us before we do anything. He would introduce us as Janine, Jake and Meagan as dearly loved children of God. To God, who we are is much more important than what we do.
So, certainly, take pride in your work but don’t let it become your sole identity. Before anything, you are a child of God.
Are you in a difficult season right now? Unfortunately, even being a new creation in Christ doesn’t grant us a trouble free life. Do you look at your to-do list and feel overwhelmed? Problems at work? Relationship troubles? I promise, that even if it feels like God has distanced Himself from you during this time nothing could be further from the truth.
So, in the midst of these hard times reach out to God and know He has not forgotten about you. In the Bible, Isaiah chapter 41 in the Message says,
“I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you.”
Calm you anxieties by taking refuge in your Heavenly Father. He is right there with you.
Since the creation of the ID or driver’s license it’s been the goal of many underage troublemakers to get their hands on a fake ID. It may have their picture but someone else’s name and more importantly their age. Usually it’s to buy alcohol underage or to get into a club. However, depending on the circumstances, using a fake ID can land you in jail for up to a year!
When it comes to our faith, are we who we claim to be? Maybe we claim to be a new creation in Christ but we continue to act like our old selves. If you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your savior but continue to act like you don’t know Him, the fake ID you’re carrying is that of a person who was crucified with Christ.
Toss that old ID and live out who you are in Christ.
Life doesn’t always work the way we think it should. High expectations slam against unwelcome surprises. At those times it’s hard to feel the presence of God.
If He is everywhere and loves us like he says he does, why does he allow the loss of a job or home or a loved one?
God has gone to great lengths to make himself known to us—
through the Bible, through his people, through nature, and through his only Son who died for us.
The author and speaker, Dr. Joel Muddamalle (Mood-am-AL-Lay) says that every time he asks, “Why”, God reminds him,
Who created and sustains all things? Who defeated death? Who comforts us in our pain and sorrow? To all of these questions- we answer, our Heavenly Father.
Joel goes on to say that every time someone asks the question “why do bad things happen to good people” he answers,
“God, I don’t know. But you do. And that will be good enough for me.”
