Can I Be Happy? Yes, You Can – Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

Have a merry heart

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bone.

– Proverbs 17:22

An individual with a cheerful heart radiates positivity and finds contentment in the world around them. They can appreciate the simple joys of life, and often, they are happy and have a positive impact on those around them. Conversely, a person who lacks joy within themselves may struggle to find happiness and fulfillment, leading to dissatisfaction, unease, and, in some cases, sadness. 

Learning how to prioritize our activities is crucial because everything has its place in life, and certain things hold more importance than others. We must train ourselves to keep the essential things at the forefront of our minds. True happiness is unattainable until we recognize the actual value of things in life, prioritizing the most essential aspects. The first step towards achieving this is cultivating a renewed mind and a joyful heart. This notion is beautifully captured in Philippians 4:8, which advises, ‘Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.’ By prioritizing our activities, we can feel more organized and focused, leading to greater happiness and fulfillment.

Individuals need to fill their minds with positive thoughts and ideas. There should be no space in our hearts for negative or unworthy thoughts. Despite being bombarded by negative thoughts, we can act as the gatekeepers of our minds and choose what to dwell on, allowing positivity while eliminating negativity. The decision ultimately lies with each individual. Those who entertain negative thoughts will struggle to find true happiness.

The central message revolves around maintaining a continuous sense of joy in our hearts and demonstrating true happiness by keeping the presence of the Lord at the forefront of our lives, which is highlighted in Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” It’s crucial to protect our minds from any distractions or disturbances. We are urged to nourish a perpetual state of joy and positivity. Despite our challenges, we are encouraged to uphold a light-hearted spirit. 

This sentiment is reiterated in Romans 12:12: When you have hope, be joyful; when you face hardship, be patient; and when you pray, be faithful. It’s all about choosing to hold onto hope and faith in every situation, relying on God with the assurance that our hope in Him is steadfast. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see,” as affirmed in Hebrews 11:1. The passage in Romans 10:11 reassures us, ‘Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.’ This message should inspire and fill every individual with hope for a joyful future.

There is no space for fear or discouragement in a joy-filled heart. When we allow excessive fear to take hold, it can paralyze us, robbing us of the confidence and initiative needed to thrive in both the personal and professional aspects of our lives. This debilitating fear can slowly erode our faith and steal away our happiness. However, the Bible offers reassuring words, such as the verse in Philippians 4:13,  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” which highlights the immense power of faith. Moreover, the Psalmist provides comforting words by declaring Psalms 27:1-5, “The Lord is my strength and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” These verses serve as a potent reminder that fear has no place in the hearts of those grounded in faith. When fear takes hold, individuals often find themselves in a constant state of unhappiness, where even the most minor challenges or trials become overwhelming sources of worry, leading to a profound sense of sadness and upheaval in their lives.

We are encouraged to wholeheartedly and willingly surrender to God, finding peace of mind in letting go and allowing God to take over. We must relinquish complete control of our lives to God rather than struggle to navigate without the assurance of God’s grace, as many people do. True peace and happiness can be found by seeking guidance and maintaining a healthy relationship with the creator and His creations. We should allow the creator to guide our steps, understanding that our lives cannot have two masters in the driver’s seat.

Praying with unwavering faith is a wellspring of profound joy and genuine happiness. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, it is written, “Pray without ceasing.” This continuous prayer is a responsibility and a means to maintain a strong connection with God, which brings true spiritual happiness and fulfillment. It is essential for every follower of Christ to intentionally allocate time throughout the day to express gratitude to God and engage in prayer. When believers fail to maintain a line of communication with God, it signifies a spiritual discord. Prayer plays an integral role in God’s design for human contentment. Those who understand the power of prayer are equipped to face life’s adversities and trials with courage and resilience. For individuals who pray, there is no room for defeat in their hearts. 

To cultivate a rich and rewarding prayer life, it is crucial to actively seek and accept forgiveness, extend forgiveness to yourself, and grant forgiveness to those who may have caused you harm or distress. When we attempt to hide or ignore our wrongdoings, it can lead to significant challenges on mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual levels. On the other hand, seeking forgiveness can lead to a deep sense of true happiness and fulfillment. This joy arises from recognizing our purification, as described in Psalms 32:1–2. It is a joy that comes from understanding that we have been cleansed of our sins: “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

The virtue of forgiveness runs deep, involving the deliberate cultivation of compassion and goodwill toward those who have wronged us. True forgiveness leads to genuine happiness for all parties involved, emanating from the person who has been wronged showing compassion, empathy, generosity, and even affection towards the wrongdoer. It is important to note that forgiveness does not excuse the offense or necessitate reconciliation or the abandonment of the pursuit of justice. Forgiveness brings true and lasting happiness because we find contentment in the Lord, rejoice in righteousness, and celebrate with shouts of joy. 

Those who comprehend the profound impact of prayer, forgiveness, and thanksgiving possess the ability to confront challenges with unwavering courage, enduring hope, steadfast faith, and remarkable resilience. Individuals who prioritize prayer, exercise patience, exhibit unyielding perseverance, maintain a joyful disposition, nurture hope in the face of adversity, and harbor unshakable trust are fortified against the encroachment of worry, defeat, or discouragement within their hearts.

Explore more from Dr. Pastor Emmanuel Atoe inspiring collection and continue your path toward growth and empowerment:

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