Be Happy

       Listening to the news yesterday, it seemed there was very little about which to be happy. Once I turned off the monologue of dirge with its constant reminder of lives lost to COVID-19 and the shortage of vaccines, my shoulders relaxed and mind felt calmer. I started going through my refrigerator preparing food and cooking soup. My hands were busy and my heart was happy.

    The Bible tells us this about happiness: Proverbs 15:13, "A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit;" Ecclesiastes 3:12, "I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live;" and Ecclesiastes 5:19, "Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil--this is a gift of God."

    Happiness is a gift from God, take it and embrace it! We don't have to dwell on the sadness around us. We can shut it off and choose to "be happy" in the midst of our toil and hardships. James 5:13 reminds us that we will have both times of trouble and happiness, but here is how we should deal with both situations, "Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise." Pray to God in times of trouble and sing praise to God in happy times. 

Psalm 68:3 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.