Happiness
March 15, 2014
“People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be.” What do you think about that statement? Are we responsible for our own happiness?
In the past, I used to think that my happiness depended on others. When I was first married, I thought my husband was responsible for making me happy. I didn't actually say it; but if I was upset or angry, it was usually his fault, or so I thought. Part of it was immaturity and part of it was me being selfish. The other part was not realizing what true happiness is.
There are many ways to obtain happiness; make more money and you will be happy, spend less time making money and spend more time with family and friends, smile more, laugh more, get out and socilize, volunteer and give back to the community, hum, sing, dance and the list goes on.
All of these ideas are admirable and can indeed make us happy. The problem is they don't last. They are only temporary fixes. These are not the ways to be happy. If one is to find true happiness, he must rise above these worldly ideas.
Obtaining true happiness must come from within. The basis of true happiness is in direct relation to what I think about myself. Do I like myself? Would I want to be my friend? We can change things about ourselves. We can be friendlier, we can be more positive and outgoing. And while this is true, that happiness must come from within, is it enough to sustain us through lifes ups and downs?
I believe true happiness goes much deeper than that. True happiness is directly related to what I think God thinks about me.
Think about that for a moment. Does God love you or even like you? The Word of God is very clear about what God thinks about you.
And when I think of what God thinks about me, I cannot be sad. I am instantly happy because He loves me so much that he died for me. He loves me when I am grumpy, through my successes and my failures, and forgives me no matter what I do.
In answer to my question, Are we responsible for our own happiness? I believe the answer is true. Happiness is actually a choice. It begins and ends with you. You can choose to believe what God says about you or not. Therefore, seek the happiness that comes from above. You owe it to yourself to find out what He thinks about you.