Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8, CEV)
In case you didn’t know it, August is “Happiness Happens Month.” Established by the Secret Society of Happy People, this happy month-long celebration encourages people to do something that makes them happy every single day. OK, you might be thinking, “Michelle, this month is almost over! You should’ve let us know that August was Happiness Happens Month several weeks ago!”
Well, here’s the good news. As believers, we don’t need a special month specifically designated to being happy—we can choose happiness every single day! I say “choose” to be happy because it is truly a choice, and some days it’s harder than others. Call it hormones or less-than-perfect circumstances or atmospheric disturbances or a lack of sunshine, but there are days when I feel a heaviness in my spirit before my feet ever hit the floor.
On those hard mornings, I have to make a conscious decision to be happy, so I start by thinking about good things. Specifically, I choose to meditate on the goodness of God, and it works for me.
It will work for you, too.
Think about the many times that God has come through for you. Think about the many blessings He has given you. Think about His ultimate sacrifice—sending Jesus, His only Son, to die on a cross so that we could spend eternity with Him. He is such a good God!
Sometimes it’s not enough just to think about God’s goodness. Some days, you need to say it out loud. OK, so it might seem odd at first, but just try it. Say, “God is so good to me!” Say it several times a day.
Or, maybe you’d rather sing it? There’s a little chorus we used to sing at Camp Wildwood Church Camp when I was growing up that simply says, “God is so good. God is so good. God is so good. He’s so good to me.” If you don’t know that chorus, here’s how it goes:
Next, try quoting some Bible verses about God’s goodness. Psalm 107 is a good place to start. Say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, and His love endures forever.” Here are a few other verses to meditate on and then say aloud:
- For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:5, NIV)
- The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works. (Psalm 145:9, NKJV)
- You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. (Psalm 86:5, NIV)
It’s a fact. You can’t meditate on the goodness of God and be unhappy at the same time. Those two things cannot coexist! The next time you’re having a moody Monday, a terrible Tuesday, a weary Wednesday, a foggy Friday or any other kind of sad day, turn your thoughts away from yourself and your circumstances and focus on the goodness of God.
Let’s make happiness happen today, tomorrow and the next day. Celebrate the goodness of God all year long!
