Many talk about happiness, and long for it, but true happiness is experienced by very few.
We all step into occasional negativity. The difference between a happy and unhappy life is how often we go there, and how long we stay.
Happy people exhibit many similar character traits and habits. Genuinely cheerful, happy people acknowledge realistically that life truly is often very hard. But instead of resentfully becoming a victim; always expecting the worst, happy people choose to view circumstances with curiosity. “Well, Lord, they did this and it affected me like this….” or “I’ve got myself in a mess, but Lord, how are You and I going to overcome this hard time together? I know You aren’t surprised!”
“Trust God completely; trust people discreetly” is an important concept practiced by happy people. God is absolutely trustworthy; all-knowing, all-wise and always faithful. People are not. As we develop trust within human relationships, we have to remember that people will fail. Genuinely cheerful, happy people are quick to offer grace. They look for good in people, instead of assuming everyone is out to get them. Their friendly openness towards others fosters a sense of community.
Micromanagement is an anxious attempt to control all outcomes. Even when happy people are intensely focused, they can release details because they’ve chosen to adapt to changing circumstances. Unhappy people see themselves as victims of change; stuck in the “look what happened to me” attitude, instead of finding a way through and out the other side.
Finding solutions rather than complaining is a common characteristic of happy people. The key is believing that God already knows about our life changes and challenges, and has eternally provided all we need for each circumstance.
Unhappy people compare themselves to others, harboring envy and jealousy. They believe that when good happens to another, it takes away from the possibility of their own success; that there’s not enough goodness for everyone. Genuinely cheerful, happy people are confident that goodness comes from God, whose goodness and resources are unlimited. They know their own accomplishments and gifts can’t be duplicated or taken by anyone else on earth.
Unhappy people live in past and present hardships— keeping their hurts the main topic of conversation. If attention turns to others, their response will frequently be criticisms about that person’s life and choices. Genuinely cheerful, happy people recognize the past, but gratefully enjoy the present and are excited about the about projects and goals they’re working on and the possibilities of the future.
Genuinely cheerful, happy people acknowledge personal struggles and trouble in the world, but have chosen to balance their concern with a focus on possibilities as they expectantly trust God to provide for them in the midst of trouble. Happy people have their eyes wide open, but keep what they see in perspective.
Happy people feel fear and the temptation to worry just like unhappy people, but refuse to live in anxiety, even when feeling it. When fear or worry crosses a happy person’s mind, they ask the Lord if there is something they need to do, and when they’ve done it, they lay the worry down.
1 Peter 5:7 (Amplified): Casting all of your care, anxieties, worries and concerns, once and for all on Him, for He cares for you watchfully and affectionately.
Infinite Grace Ministries teaches freedom and abundant living by focusing on the limitless love and mercy of God Send questions and comments to: Dr. Dixie Yoder PO Box 466 Weatherford, OK 73096 [email protected] 580-774-2884
