Finding true happiness and keeping it may seem elusive. Yet it’s not. Let me show you how. First, let us answer the question, what is happiness. Mirriam Webster defines it as (a) a state of well-being and contentment: Joy; (b) a pleasurable or satisfying experience.

How about you? What would bring you to that state of well-being and contentment? What are the most pleasurable and satisfying experiences in your life? If you can answer these, would you say you are happy?

Happiness is a state of mind.

Happiness is much more than an emotion; it’s a state of mind. Yes, there are times we experience grief, sadness, anger, and stress. Yet, these emotions don’t have to be permanent. Holding on to these emotions sets in depression, causing unhappiness to become fixated.

There was a time in my life when I suffered severe depression. I contemplated and even attempted suicide. Those days were dark. The despair blazoned on my countenance, in that, whenever I was in public, people would ask, “Why do you look so sad?”

Loneliness and feelings of unworthiness were the main reasons for my unhappiness. I had a good job, a place to live and food to eat. However, I lost a baby (my second loss), followed by divorce. I was in a valley of desolation for a long, long time. It took a while to climb out. I felt utterly hopeless until I finally looked up and accepted the hand of Jesus. He saved me.

Look to Jesus for Happiness

Somehow, it didn’t occur to me to look to Jesus for happiness. I forgot about Him, but he didn’t forget me. I came out of the valley into the light and life of Jesus; my life changed for the better.

How do you allow Jesus to lead your life into happiness? Obedience and trust.

He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.

Proverbs 16:20 NKJV

True happiness comes from reading the bible and applying it to your life. Application is essential since it ensures you stay happy despite any circumstance.

Here are just a few biblical instructions you can apply now to bring you happiness.

Be Grateful  

Stop focusing on what you don’t have and start appreciating the things you do. The best way to do this is by keeping a gratitude journal. If every day you write down 5 things – just 5 – then you will appreciate how fortunate you are. Philippians 4:6, ERV, states:

Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.

Thanksgiving plays an enormous role in our emotional state. By remaining in a constant state of gratitude, God’s peace will wash over us and give us peace and happiness.

Be Forgiving

I know this one isn’t easy. Nevertheless, ridding yourself of hatred and bitterness is essential for experiencing real peace and happiness. Keep in mind forgiveness does not entail condoning the actions of the individual who hurt you or reconciliation. It means letting go, healing, and moving on.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV

If there is anyone you need to extend forgiveness, and it’s proving difficult, keep praying. Pray for them, and yourself. It will take time. Keep trusting in God, and the wound will heal in time.

Be of Service

Serve. Focus on making someone happy. This pandemic has brought so much suffering to so many people. Who can you help? And it does not necessarily mean giving material things. There are aged and sick persons who want someone to visit. This is all they need to make them happy, and you, in return, will feel happy and rewarded.

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25 NIV.

By reading the bible and applying its promises to your life, you will be blessed. You will prosper and be happy. Placing your trust and confidence in God alone will help you find true happiness and keep it.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to start applying Your words to my life today. Show me how to take what I learn, hear and study, and live them out every day. Lord, you are all that I need. Thank you for taking care of me. Help me to trust you more by believing your words and applying them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More Blogs on Happiness

Chasing Happiness By Sharla Hallett
www.sharlahallett.com/chasing-happiness/

Mom Burnout and How to Be Happy By Ashley Olivine
https://www.ashleyolivine.com/mom-burnout/

3 Days By MelAnn
https://graceandrapture.substack.com/p/3-days

Seeing Happiness Right in Your Life By Dianne Vielhuber
https://simplewordsoffaith.com/2021/10/01/seeing-happiness-right-in-your-life/

The Summer of Happiness Recap of Summer 2021 By Jessica Haberman
https://storytellerfarm.com/the-summer-of-happiness-recap-of-summer-2021/

How to Be Happy By Amy Cobb
https://www.tayloredintent.com/blog/how-to-be-happy