Happiness: A New System for Living

What would you say has contributed to the happiness you’ve experienced so far in your life? Focus on just one thing that has made you feel happy and safe. Would that one thing that’s provided happiness include peace with God, or a warm, trusting friendship that’s endured over time?

Does happiness derive from viewing life as God's gift to you, especially when it means caring about the well-being of others? Believing your life benefits God and his Kingdom here on the earth creates purpose and optimism for surviving the troubles of everyday life. Contented people tend to seize opportunities for joy and fulfillment.

Yet we need opportunities for growth and change that fit within a strong system of values and faith. God sent Jesus into the world to create a new system of thinking and believing that was so powerful it would radically change the world. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.”  His way is the way of purpose and security. 

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God blesses those who obey him; happy the man who puts his trust in the Lord.

~Proverbs 16:20 The Living Bible

God’s Kingdom isn’t about eating and drinking. It is about pleasing God, about living in peace, and about true happiness. All this comes from the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ in this way, you will please God and be respected by people.

~Romans 14:17-18 Contemporary English Version

Building Trust for Change - Part 3

It isn't uncommon to make decisions and then continue to live with those choices long after they've become outdated. Restructuring obsolete decisions requires basic trust in your ability to cope with change. When decisions are difficult, it helps to be convinced that change is a necessity and that God will be at work to make those changes possible.

What holds us back is mistrust. Mistrust creates anxiety and distress along with fear of not being in control of our lives. Proverbs 16:20 encourages us to trust in the Lord, and as we do, we are blessed. Listen to Proverbs 29:25. "Whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." Mistrust tends to doubt these words of encouragement.

Making changes where mistrust has a stronghold is possible. Believe that God will show you ways to build trust in graduated steps that strengthen your confidence and assurance. God is faithful and will never put on you more than you can tolerate. He sends help so you can change old, worn-out decisions with confidence.