A beast does not know that he is a beast, and the nearer a man gets to being a beast, the less he knows it.
-George MacDonald
So if you want to be happy, just remember a few points:
Don’t
-become a victim. Break free from the control someone has over your life.
-blame others for your problem. Take responsibility for it. Okay, someone else may have caused it, but take charge of the situation and try to find a solution.
-try to exact revenge. It will only hurt you. Leave it in God’s hands. “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’” (Rom. 12:19).
-hold a grudge. Retaining negative emotions has been linked to health problems—sometimes major health problems.
-envy or try to destroy the person responsible for your pain. Even though it feels like you will never recover, it is temporary. This verse has always encouraged me: “In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there” (Ps. 37:10).
-spend time stalking people on social media.
-withhold forgiveness. Unsure of when and what to forgive? Here’s a good article to read: Cheap Grace, Cheap Forgiveness.
Do
-trust God. Turn every problem over to him and wait for him to work things out for you. While waiting, focus on every positive thing you are able to do.
-read your Bible and pray daily—or at least regularly. Listen to praise songs or hymns. Set aside time each day devoted to your spiritual growth. This will sustain you through all the pain in your life.
-continue to go to church (or find a good one) or connect with a small group.
-try to help others. If you keep nursing your resentment, you will grow more bitter.
-spend time with positive people.
-click less! Read more (and interact with others). Yes, get away from your computer. Take yourself outside and find a beautiful place to relax and read a book (a real book is much better), listen to music, or take a walk. Anything without social media.
-exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet. It straightens you physically and emotionally.
-change your attitude. Yes, you can. Learning to be grateful and putting your gratitude into practice will make you a happier person.
-count your blessings! Look for the wonderful things that God is doing (and will do) in your life.
- D-Day, June 6, 1944: The Presence of An Almighty and Merciful God - June 6, 2024
- #ValentinesDay: I’ve never felt like this about anyone else! - February 14, 2024
- Theology: A Parochial Study of Irrelevant Ideas - December 10, 2023
