| Happy and blessed, aaah, just pause at that a moment. Is that you right now? Happy and blessed? Both of those words have the very same definition. Did you know that the word "blessed" literally means in the Hebrew, "to be straight, to be level"... You know what it is like when all "feels right with the world". That is the feel to the word "happy" and "blessed" that we are looking into. This word also embodies "being happy, right, to go forward in prosperity". The Amplified Bible states "blessed" as "happy, fortunate, to be envied." Some Christians do not like to emphasize "happiness" as they believe that it takes away from true Joy. Joy that only comes from Jesus. But scipture shows us that our Father has both joy and happiness for His children. Blessed and fortunate are we because of His grace. The Joy of the bible is unshakable, unspeakable, infused in our being. The Lord IS our Joy, as well as the Source of joy. He is the Gift. He is also the Giver of good gifts. All good gifts come from Him. He wants us to enJOY (have joy in) our lives. Jesus came that we might have an abundant life. "I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)." (John 10:10 Amp.) It is a gift to take pleasure in our lives. From experiencing the fulfillment of living out one's vocation to taking pleasure in the simplest of things, all are gifts from our Father's hand and heart to us. Today, think about the simple things that make you smile inwardly or laugh outwardly. Recognize those happenings that bring joy to your heart. Notice the things that just make you happy. Here is the beginning of my list- ~My very shy 9-year-old daughter was asked to be the lead for a younger class in the upcoming ballet recital ~The warmth and glow of the cozy fire on this cold January morning as I am writing ~The comfort of a hot cup of strong coffee with Hazelnut cream ~The faith and leadership my husband showed when he gathered the family to pray about some upcoming changes for all of us. Begin your own list in a journal. You will soon see that surrounding you are innumerable sources of joy. Every day is full of gracious moments. These gifts inspire gratitude in our hearts to the Giver. After a few days of consciously looking for the good and lovely in your life you will notice a circle of thought~ from gratitude to appreciation to expectancy to generosity to receiving and gratitude once again. Rejoice in the Lord. Find happiness in His gifts all around you. Be thankful. And share your blessings and happiness. Others will soon begin to wonder of you, "What makes you so happy?" For further reading look into- ~1Peter 1:8 ~James 1:17 ~Philippians 4:8 ~Ecclesiastes 5:19 |
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| Enjoy the Simple Blessings "Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!" ~Psalm 144:15 "Blessed are they that put their trust in Him!" ~Psalm 2:12 |
