Many people are vaguely unhappy. But really they don’t need to be. One can awaken every morning with a thrill, looking forward with anticipation to the day. You can imagine having the time of your life all day long and actually regret having to go to bed for fear of missing something exciting.
Three verses will help you cast off unhappiness and show you how to live joyously. We suggest that you say the first one out loud every day:
1. “This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
Those words are a stimulating mental and spiritual tonic with which to begin the day. Upon awakening, say these dynamic words out loud. You have a new day crammed with opportunity to build a better and happier life. As you go to work, repeat the verse and, if you begin to run down in spirit during the day, say it again. This is one of the greatest of all strength producing thoughts. Possibly no method is more effective for driving off unhappiness than to saturate the mind with these powerful words.
2. “Rejoice in the Lord always again I will say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
You can make yourself unhappy by habitually thinking unhappy thoughts. Instead, start thinking joyfully. It is that simple. Practice rejoicing, not vaguely, but specifically rejoicing in the Lord. Think of every wonderful thing the Lord has done for you, the most important being that He is always with you. When you consider the implications of that fact, there is every reason to rejoice and be happy, for it means that nothing can ever defeat you.
3. “These things I have spoken to you … that your joy might be full” (John 15:11).
Real, in-depth Christians are always happy people. Of course, that does not mean that they are free from pain and suffering, but they have the power to conquer it. They are filled with joyous exultation, for they have the priceless experience of victory over misery. To be happy, try to follow the “things” Jesus teaches. You will experience joy in its fullest form.
