“I don’t have a happy life.” “Why is my life so terrible?” “Why does nobody like me?” These are all phrases and questions I hear from my daughter on a daily basis. I’m not really sure why she’s convinced her life is so bad, but it has never taken much to push her over the edge into despondency. She does not have a terrible life. She has a lovely life, and I try to point this out to her occasionally by explaining that there are plenty of people out there who have much worse situations than her. Poverty, lack of education, hunger, illness, and the list goes on. She will not be convinced. The issue is in her heart, not her mind. She is choosing to be discontent, choosing to believe that everyone has it better than her; and it is affecting her attitude, and stealing her joy. Happiness is not a destination. That is our family motto. Pulling in to Happyland, CT or Happy, TX will not guarantee your happiness, even if the names imply it. It is so easy to fall into believing that … [Read more...]
The Cure for Unhappiness, Depression and Worry
Lately, God has been nagging me with the same Scripture over and over and over again. If I stress out, He reminds me of it. If I start worrying about anything, He reminds me of it. If I wallow in self pity, He reminds me of it. If I begin to feel sad, angry or any emotion that is not happy, peaceful and content--He reminds me of it. I am now convinced that it really is a message from the Lord that is quite powerful for all of His children. I believe it is the CURE for unhappiness, depression, worry...and many mentally developed issues we have. Before I go further: I am not telling you to go against a doctor's advice, stop taking medication, or anything like that...That is between you, your doctor and God. I AM saying that I am convinced that if we would take God at His Word; we may find ourselves on less pills, paying less psychiatric bills, and feeling less crappy. What is this so-called "cure", you ask?? Well, it is in God's Word: Don’t worry about anything; … [Read more...]
The Daily – The Road to Peace, Joy and Happiness is Paved with Humility, Gentleness and Patience
Yesterday, we talked about praying, preferring, carrying and loving one another. There is so much more to it though. I am continuing the thought with gentleness, humbleness and patience. This is a topic we can assume we may think we are good at. However, are we really kind and gentle with one another? Really? Let's see what the Word says and then decide... Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. - Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) I would say that I fail miserably on a daily basis with this one. By all means, please stop reading if you have mastered Ephesians 4:2. :) For those of you who struggle with being humble, gentle and patient, let's dig deeper.. To be humble is to be; submissive, meek, unassuming, polite, not proud or arrogant and modest. To be gentle is to be; clement, peaceful, soothing, tender, lenient, merciful, mild, temperate, tame, quiet, and courteous. To be patient is to be; uncomplaining, … [Read more...]
Reader Comments