Choose Happiness

I came across an interesting focus group study from a psychology professor at Harvard in preparing this week’s sermon. 

It concluded after 2 years of focus groups that people who make a conscious effort to continuously acknowledge the positive things in their life, experienced 3 times more joy than people who dwelt on what’s not working in their life. Yet, sadly the study also documented that over 70% of the people involved in the study felt a shortage of things to be grateful as they tended to be based on promotion, resources, or material acquisitions.   

One of the awesome gifts for us as followers of Christ, is that we have no shortage of opportunities to express our gratitude and thankfulness for what Our Heavenly Father is doing in our lives. 

We don’t have to look very far or for too long to see His blessings, whether on the mountain tops or valleys of life. 

I think we can all agree that our Heavenly Father is constantly demonstrating His goodness and loving kindness toward us. 

The Bible says:

“Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning.” 

- James 1:17

Every day and in every situation we can and should find something that we can be thankful for. 

If we want to be experience happiness beyond our expectation in 2022 don’t allow yourself to get into the habit of always complaining about what’s not working in your life. 

Just keep changing the proverbial station back to 101 -gratitude if you find yourself channel surfing in the gloomier stations. 

The Bible says in Psalms 136:7 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

Something to ask yourself today, every day and throughout the day. 

What are 3 things you can thank the Lord for doing in your life right now? Even if you are home sick with flu or Covid.

Once you find them, consider thanking God, not just now but as many times you can throughout the day.  

I can’t wait to party with all of you on Sunday.  

Pastor Rick