Here Is Your Chance For Joy And Happiness (April 12, 2013)

No! This is not about you getting joyful and happy because of winning the jackpot or falling in love with a nice gal or marrying the man of your dreams. Many times, people think they know what happiness is, but do they really, or have they only discovered some superficial excitement to fill the empty void inside? Do they think a family or money or success will do the trick? Or do they seek to find it in Eastern philosophies that seem to give them a little spiritual kick? No, no, this is about the great opportunities that God gives you, as His follower, to have real joy, gladness, and happiness in your life! Maybe you never heard or thought about it coming in this package, but here they are:

When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2 NLT

Don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 1. Peter 4:12-13 NLT
God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! Matthew 5:11-12 NLT

What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! Luke 6:22-23 NLT

So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, 1. Peter 4:14 NLT

Be happy with those who are happy, Romans 12:15 NLT

The Bible also urges us to always be full of joy in the Lord, and in the same verse it says again to rejoice! Not to worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (See Philippians 4:4-7)

In another passage it says to always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1. Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT)

And once you have the happiness going on, you should sing God’s praises!

Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. James 5:13 NLT

No matter what circumstances you are in, there is one more thing that is as important as “always being joyful”, and that is what the scriptures say in 1. Peter 3:10-11 NLT: If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.