By Angie, The Founder
Nov 22, 20235 min
Updated: Apr 3
Hello, and welcome to the READ-PRAY-SING Blog! I'm so glad you joined me in discussing this topic on happiness!
In This Blog Post:
Being Happy Is a Choice
Tips for Smiling Bigger and Brighter
Practice Gratitude with our "Giving Thanks" Worksheet
Let's Pray Together
As a pastor’s wife I sometimes am called to question whether I practice what I preach.
Last week I shared with two ladies about the importance of being happy. You know, "A merry heart does good like a medicine." This frame of mind can have so many positive effects on our health, mind, and outlook on life as well as giving us a beautiful glow. Why wouldn’t we pursue this endeavor more?
God’s word tells us that His people are generally a happy bunch. “Happy is the people whose God is the Lord.” Wouldn’t you want to be apart of this following?
As living, breathing, humans, we face many challenges that bring about disappointment in life, bitterness, anxiety, and jealousy.
But, as Christian women, we shouldn’t let these negative responses to hardships direct our path.
When we put our focus where it should be, we will be happy, just like God’s word says we will be.
The number one way we can start being a happier person today, is by giving thanks. “Give thanks in all things, for this is the will of God concerning you.”
In every way, every day, we need to give thanks to the Lord. He has blessed us with so many spiritual riches, health, and protection.
We offer a simple printout on our FREEBIE page that any member can download and print. Use this as a prompt to write down what you are thankful and grateful for all throughout the day. It is an excellent discipline!
In fact, you can start this very moment and give thanks for 10 things in your life. Grab a piece of paper or a start a new journal and start giving thanks! The more we express our thanks to God the more we will shift our focus off of what we don’t have onto what we do have.
The second thing we can begin doing right now is very physical, and it may change our appearance a bit, and that is to smile more!
Yup! Put on a happy face! Studies have shown that Smiling releases endorphins, natural mood boosters, and reduces stress. Smiling also helps you appear more approachable and trustworthy, making people more likely to want to be around you. So next time you're feeling low, don't be afraid to give smiling a try and enjoy the perks it brings to your mind and body.
The third thing I suggest doing is giving of your time, resources, money, or talents. More often than not, if you aren’t giving of yourself in some way, then you have become stagnant.
Giving has been proven to decrease blood pressure and reduce stress. This reduction promotes longer life and better health. Giving also promotes social connections. Studies show that when you give to others, your generosity is often continued down the line to someone else, or returned to you.
Examples of simple giving can include a hug, a smile, a gift, etc. But if we want to go a little deeper then simple gestures, what about giving when it hurts?
Some people would say their money is the most precious thing to them but in fact, our time is the most precious commodity we have. We can turn over a buck and make ten bucks easily but we can never get our time back. Once it is gone, it is gone forever.
When we give of our time to read a book to a child, volunteer to help at our church, make a dinner for a sick neighbor, we are giving something away that is most precious to us, our time.
When we give up some of our precious time to do something for someone else, the Lord takes notice of this selfless act and records our good deeds in heaven. Then, our hearts testify to this good deed by feeling happy.
There is no greater thing then to put a smile on someone else’s face!
Take action today, and don’t miss out on enjoying life and being a happy person this holiday season!
Give thanks, smile, and give of yourself to glorify God!
Let's explore a few more ways to practice happiness in our daily lives:
Practice self-care: It's important to take care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually so we can maintain a happy and positive outlook on life. This can include exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and taking time to relax , but, most importantly we must recharge ourself spiritually by reading God's Word. This will center our focus on God and bring life's responsibilities into balance.
Surround yourself with positive people: The people we surround ourselves with can greatly impact our mood and happiness. Seek out uplifting and godly people who will encourage you to walk in God's ways. Begin to pattern your behavior around them, spend time with them, and discover what their source of hope is in Christ.
Practice forgiveness: Holding grudges and resentments can weigh heavily on our hearts and minds, leading to negative emotions and thoughts. Practice forgiveness towards those who have wronged you, and release any bitterness or anger you may be holding onto. Put your trust in God who sees all wrongs and let Him fight for you.
Find joy in the little things: Happiness doesn't have to come from big accomplishments or extravagant events. Take time to appreciate the small joys in life, like a beautiful sunset, a good cup of coffee, or spending time with loved ones.
Laugh more: Let your hair down, and give a hearty laugh now and then. Find the humor in little blunders and mistakes instead of getting uptight about being perfect. This will release pent-up tension and help others around you relax.
Cultivate gratitude: Building on the previous point of giving thanks, cultivating a habit of gratitude can greatly increase our happiness and contentment. Take time each day to reflect on the things you are thankful for, and express gratitude to those around you.
Remember, happiness is not a destination, but rather a new way of living life. It requires intentional effort and practice, but the rewards are worth it. So let's continue to pursue happiness in our daily lives, by doing this we can glorify God and spread joy joy to those around us!
On our Freebies page, members can download and print our "Giving Thanks" exercise worksheet. By practicing gratitude throughout the day, you might be surprised at how the Lord can reveal grace and beauty to you.
Father in Heaven,
We are so thankful that You are our God. No other God can forgive sins, heal diseases, or crown us with lovingkindnesses. We are a hppy people because You are our God.
We express sincere appreciation for Your watchful care and attentive ways. Because we trust in You, we have no need to be afraid, anxious, or downhearted.
You are a faithful God, who blesses His people with peace, fills our hearts with joy, and pours out grace to help us accomplish the demands of daily life.
We ask for a new perspective on life as we seek to glorify You with happy hearts. Help us to find new ways of giving, volunteering our time, or offering encouragement to others by way of words or hugs.
Speak to our hearts and inspire us unto good works.
Help us to be more joyful representatives of Your kingdom and give us grace to be kind and loving during this holiday season.
We ask all of this in Your Precious Name,
Amen.