How to be Happy

How To Be Happy


Everyone wants to be happy. However many have failed in the quest to remain happy in God as they are looking in the wrong places. Psalm 146:5 states that happiness comes to those who find their help and hope in God. In Proverbs 16:20 says that “Whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.” The foundation for happiness is a proper relationship with the Lord.

Here are 8 rules for leading a happier life that I would like to look at:

1) Live as though today is the last day on earth
I always believe that whatever good we can do for people we are in contact with, may have an impact on them. Spending time with the family, being there and providing a listening ear to friends, working together as a team, can make a difference in their lives. Be sincere to people, cherish and appreciate them as we never know when is the next time one can show love and appreciation to them. Live life with no regrets.

2) Give Something Away
Many times, one may hold on to material things so closely to forget the intangible things in our lives. Recently one of my colleague’s flat was burnt down. All of us at our workplace chipped in to donate furniture and cash to her. She was appreciative with our actions. Try giving things to the poor and needy, be it donations, clothes, food or even spending time with them. You will be surprised how fulfilling it can be. St. Paul's letter to the Galatians 6:9 encouraged that, “We must never get tired of doing good because if we don’t give up the struggle we shall get our harvest at the proper time.”

3) Kindness
I remember when I was studying for a particular module, we needed to analyze various campaigns for our exam. I volunteered to collate my classmates term papers and send to the class. It took lots of patience collating and waiting for the papers to be submitted before sending to the group, but it was something that benefited every one. The fruits of the Holy Spirit in the life of Kindness, are blessings to people who want to receive them. One can enjoy the good works in them. They help one feel connected to others and to experience the feeling of being part of the family of God.

4) Plan as though one will live forever – I know I will
With a goal in mind, one tends to have the motivation to work at it. Why not have in a 5 year plan, to do goal setting and review it constantly. Never stop learning and keep planning for your future. If one plans to further in studies, take a vacation or contribute more time to serve the Lord, go and do it. It is never too late.

5) Pray to Discern God’s way
Many may have experienced the stage of being at crossroads, be it with careers, relationships, spiritual growth or identity. Keep praying to discern God’s way. Read the bible daily. Be patient as there are times things happen in God's time and in God's way.

6) Laugh Often
Having a sense of humor is good. It is always good hanging around with people who are humorous and able to make people feel at ease. Such people are able to ease tensions in serious situations.





7) Give Thanks Always
Be thankful for the many blessings that God has given. Never take for granted the family, jobs, friends and the simple things in life. Thank Him each day to start a new day, give thanks to Him when the day is over and before sleeping every night.

8) Work with passion
Learn and enjoy whatever we do with passion. Put in 100% effort in doing the things that are assigned to do. Be committed to completing the projects that has been assigned to do. Believing in oneself is to submit all our plans to the Lord.

We all want to be happy. So, it is God who can make us happy, but apart from Him and His redemptive love as expressed through the cross and the resurrection, without it we would be "most miserable". (1 Cor. 15-19)
Being happy is a decision one can make daily, no other people can affect how we choose to lead our lives. Be filled with a peace of mind. Trust in God for His timing to know that HIS ways are always prefect.