How Can The Lord Help You Overcome Feelings Of Unhappiness?

How Can the Lord Help You Overcome Feelings of Unhappiness?

It is sad to see many people’s pursuit of happiness end in tragedy. In the late 1960’s the Beatles came out with their best selling album, "Eleanor Rigby" The first line of the song was a graphic portrayal of the wealthy but lonely people who struggle to find something that will give them lasting happiness. One line in the song went, "All the lonely people where do they all come from? All the lonely people where do they all belong?" Today, the number of miserable people grows larger everyday. Elusive as it may seem, happiness is obtainable. David once wrote, "You have let me experience the joys of life and the exquisite pleasures of your own eternal presence." (Psa. 16: 11) Real happiness is found in a growing relationship with Jesus. Here are a few guiding principles that provide an ever-increasing measure of lasting happiness.

1. Everyone who trusts in the Lord can experience fullness of joy. David writes, "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." (Psa. 5: 11) Perhaps, this is one of the reasons why many proud and self-sufficient achievers never quite seem to get enough.

2. Real happiness is found in helping to complete Christ’s great commission of Matthew 28:19,20. David writes, "He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy carrying sheaves with him." (Psa. 126:6) In obedience to the will of God we find satisfaction.

3. True fulfillment comes to those who are hungry for His kingdom and righteousness. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they will be satisfied." The majority of the people in the world live their lives never really knowing true satisfaction because it cannot be found outside of Jesus.

4. Happiness comes when we see answers to our prayers. Jesus said, "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (John 16:24)Why settle for mere crumbs of happiness when you can enjoy the whole enchilada.

5. Happiness comes to everyone who obeys the commandments of God. Jesus said, "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love. . . I have told you this so that your joy may be complete." (John 15: 10,11) Real happiness is a fruit given to us as a result of letting the Spirit of God control our thoughts, emotions and activities. Worship begins the cycle of happiness.

6. Happiness is to be celebrated by the righteous. David writes, "May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful." (Psa. 68 3)

7. Happiness comes to those who sing for joy to the Lord. "Sing to God, praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds - his name is the Lord and rejoice before Him." (Psa 68:4) When we lift up our voices in praise to His name, joy fills our hearts.

8. Happiness comes to those who are thankful to God for everything. Paul writes, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." (I Thes. 5: 16- 18) If you are stranger to gratitude you will be an alien to happiness.

9. Happiness comes to those who are characterized by Godly values. David writes, "You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy." (Psa 45:7) Godly values leads to eternal happiness.

10. Happiness comes to those who have known God’s healing touch. David writes, "He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds." (Psa. 147:3) Broken hearts are God’s specialty.

11. Happiness comes by being around Godly people. Paul writes, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Rm.14: 17)

12. Happiness feeds on itself giving greater strength. Nehemiah wrote, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." (Neh. 8: 10)

13. When you are happy it is a contagious element that spreads uncontrollably to those you associate with. Proverbs says, "He who walks with wise men will be prosperous, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."

14. Happiness comes to those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. Peter wrote, "If you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear their intimidation and do not be troubled. (I Pet. 3: 14)

15. Identifying with Christ’s sufferings has its advantages.

16. Happiness comes to families who are grateful for every little provision. Moses wrote, "You shall rejoice in all the good which the Lord your God has given you and your household."(Deut 26: 11)