Category: God’s Hints for Happiness

Remember Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?  It’s the story of a doctor who had a split personality.  Rumor has it that he was very unhappy, and I can see why: he was two different people.  Imagine the anguish he endured, and the caution with which he lived, not knowing when the “other him” would show up.

Ironically, most of us have hint of Jekyll and Hyde in us.  When our walk doesn’t match our talk, we’re guilty of split personality.  Worse, we’ll be unhappy, for “a double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8, King James Version).  The psalmist, however, says that integrity is a source of happiness.  In other words, when our lifestyle (walk) matches GOD’S WORD (talk), then we’ll be happy!

It’s easy to say one thing and do another, but that path will lead to dissatisfaction.  If you want happiness, then make sure your walk matches your talk, in public and behind closed doors.

I’m not sure if you watch football, but the friction between Terrell Owens and Donovan McNabb is well documented.  When Owens joined the Eagles in 2004, the fans, media, and team had great expectations.  Unfortunately, things didn’t work out as anticipated.  Instead of cooperating, McNabb and Owens spent more time competing for the spotlight.  When McNabb played extraordinary, Owens would criticize him; if Owens excelled, then McNabb would find fault.  They were so greedy for the limelight, that they’d do anything to keep the other out of it.

We might turn our noses up at this behavior, but believe it or not, it happens more often that we admit.  Sometimes, we’re like crabs in a barrel: we pull each other down to get to the top.  But Paul said, “Don’t ‘hate’ when others are happy.”  If they have a reason to be happy, then be their cheerleader.  Why?  If you can celebrate someone’s happiness, then it shows you’ve overcome the “Cain spirit” (jealousy) by letting GOD renew your mind.

In a “dog eat dog” world, let’s avoid the temptation to ‘hate’ on others’ success.  Instead, let’s be happy with those who are happy, for it will come back to us (see Galatians 6:7).

I’ve discovered that many people enjoy reading the newspaper.  Some people can’t start their day without reading about what happened yesterday.  Lately, however, reading the newspaper is like asking to be sad.  The headlines highlight so many bad things that it’s easy to get discouraged.

Thankfully, there’s something you can read that will make you happy – GOD’S WORD.  The writer of Psalm 1 says that the same people who avoid bad company find happiness by reading GOD’S WORD!  If there’s anywhere to find joy, then it’s in the WORD.  The WORD gives hope (see Romans 15:4), understanding (see Psalm 119:105), and ammunition to combat doubt (see Ephesians 6:17).  Above all, the WORD makes us successful, for when we embrace it, we’ll bear fruit and prosper in everything we do.

So when the economy blues visit you, take refuge in the WORD.  If you read it, I guarantee, you’ll find a reason to be happy.

Ever accepted bad advice?  Maybe it was an investment strategy: “But this stock!”, and no sooner than you did, the stock dropped faster than a piano falling from a skyscraper.  Maybe it was a retaliations scheme: “I wouldn’t let her/him talk to me like that …”, and the advised response made a mountain of a mole hill.  Or maybe it was an enticing invitation: “Come to this party; everyone will be there!”, and while at the party, you did some things you quickly regretted.  Truly, bad company, and their suggestions, can ruin the best people.

According to Psalm 1, one way to be happy is to avoid bad company, and more specifically, ungodly people.  Why should you avoid ungodly people?  Relationships are like tug-o-war, and normally, the stronger, or more populated, group wins.  Therefore, if the majority of your friends are foolish, then it’s only a matter of time before you join them.  So, you should avoid ungodly people because their habits can rub off on you.  More importantly, their future is dim: “… the path of the wicked leads to destruction” (Psalm 1:6, New Living Translation).

Yes, we’re commanded to love everyone, but if you want happiness, you can’t fellowship with any- and everybody.  One of my best friends sent an email that shows the dangers of bad company, and I think it’s a fitting conclusion for this Recharge.  Enjoy.

EXCERPT FROM EMAIL:

Tell me who your best friends are, and I will tell you who you are. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl.  But if you fly with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights.

A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses. The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate (whether good or bad). The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve.

Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers.  How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness?  How can light live with darkness?  What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil?  How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? (2 Corinthians 6:14-15, New Living Translation).