Happy.

The sun warms our hearts as the waves continually come. Jesus is the Son who shows you the warmth of God's light. 

James chapter 3 verses 17 and 18.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness. 

How can you be happy when you have mountain size debt? How can you be happy when your best friend is no longer with you? How can you be happy when you have been yelled at and scolded? How can you be happy when the place you enjoy being is no longer there? How can you be happy when what you want is not yours to have? How can you be happy when there is so much to worry about? 

   There are more reasons to be upset then there are happy times. Maybe that is why those happy times are so enjoyable. Memories can be made up of both good times and bad times. The memories become the stories of our lives and sometimes our emotions get the best of us when we think about stuff. It's all about the conversations. Our bad times can be made into laughter as we are startled by our actions. Our good times will always bring a smile. 

   God does not want us to be overwhelmed by circumstances. They take our eyes off of Him and He likes it when our total focus is on Him. But how is that achieved when so much is there to pull your attention in other directions? The answer is found in Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

   Hebrews chapter 11 suggests that we strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us. Verses 2 and 3 say, "We should keep our eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on a cross because of the joy He knew would be His afterwards; and now He sits in the highest place of honor by the throne of God. If you want to keep from becoming fainthearted and weary, think about His patience as sinful men did such terrible things to Him."

   In the midst of all your anguish, there is Jesus. All you need to do is talk to Him. Ask Him to come into your life. If you want you can ask for help with your troubles, but the bottom line is Jesus and what He did, that can bring us forever joy. God knows your struggles and He will help you but you need to know who He is and what He gave so that we can have the privilege and honor of coming to Him. 

   In John chapter 3 verses 6 to 8, Jesus replied to Nicodemus, "What I am telling you so earnestly is this: Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. Men can only reproduce human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven; so do not be surprised at My statement that you must be born again! Just as you can hear the wind but cannot tell where it comes from or where it will go next, so it is with the Spirit. We do not know on whom He will next bestow this life from heaven."

   Happy is the man who finds life with Jesus, living in His pastures, filled with the Holy Spirit. Happy is the man who knows God and that by His grace and mercies we are able to know Jesus and live filled with the joy of His Holy Spirit.  

   Why Jesus? Well you can try your best to live in happiness, but that is difficult when surrounded by death, debt and attitudes. Getting older means more time has to be spent on maintaining our health. Being stubborn robs us of time. Jesus wants us to know God and what it means to live filled with the Holy Spirit.

   To come to God you need to let go of any doubt that you may have about who He is. Trusting in Him to care for you, means you have to be ready to let Him do that. Happiness is trusting in God for everything that you do. It's not hard to do once you realize that He is the one who gave you life and that He wants to care for you as a father cares for their child.

   2 Corinthians chapter 5 verse 17 says, "When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same any more. A new life has begun!" You are still living in the same place, with the same problems but the difference is Jesus has brought you into life with Him and God. You now have a purpose, and that is to live a life that is pleasing to God, just as Jesus did. 

   Jesus tells the crowds in Matthew chapter 5 not to worry about provisions because the Father already knows what you need. Verse 14, "So don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time." It takes a lot to let go and step into trust like that, but once you do you will find there is no other place you want to be. You will wonder why you waited so long to come to God. 

   Thank You Father for Jesus. Thank You for the mind-blowing love you have for all people. You take what is upside down and make it right. 😊   

     

      

Galatians chapter 5 verse 16.

I advise you to obey the Holy Spirit's instructions. He will tell you where to go and what to do, and then you won't always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to. 

Romans chapter 12 verse 18.

Don't quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible. 

Matthew chapter 5 verse 9.

Happy are those who strive for peace---they shall be called the sons of God.