I have seen so many posts lately that say “All I want is for my family to be happy and healthy” and “I have food, shelter, and clothes, so I’m blessed”.
While it is absolutely true that I want my family to be happy and healthy and I am extremely blessed in my current state, I have to wonder if we’re all missing the point.
You see, if your internal happiness (joy) is dependent on any of these things, you will never be truly happy. There will always be something that falls short of your expectations and results in disappointment and discontent. No external force, event, or condition can bring you what you are looking for.
I have come to terms with this in my own life. I have trained myself to look for the good everywhere. Paul talked about this in Romans 8:28 when he said that all things work together for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. That means simply that even in a lack of food, shelter, clothes, and good health, God is still working and He wants us to watch. He wants us to see Him work the good in our lives. Only then can we really appreciate what He did for us (Jer 29:11)
This Christmas, I am happy not because of any circumstances, but because of the hope I have. Hope in the good that is everywhere, hope that God is working for me and not against me, and hope in the fact that He wants to give me blessings great than I could ever imagine (Eph 2:20).
I want this mindset for you. First, if you’re not on God’s side, you’re working against Him and not with Him. Trust me, you won’t win that battle. Secondly, change your mind. See things differently and expect things to be different. Whatever you focus on becomes reality in your life. Focus on what you want and you’ll get more of it.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and may this be your best Christmas ever!