Twelve resolutions for happier living…
Live for today. Enjoy what you are doing right now. Whatever it is! Today is what you have, with the people around you, doing the things you are able to do right now. Psalm 118:24,”This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Choose to be happy. Happiness is a state of mind. No person can make you happy. No material possession. No place. No food. No drug. You are in control of your happiness. Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.”
Be Flexible. Adjust to those things in your life that you must accept. Change the things in life you need to change. Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Focus on good. It is easy to allow our minds to dwell on the negative, the bad, the discontent. Focus your mind on what is good. Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
Improve your health. If you’re a smoker – quit. If you need to exercise, do it. If you need to eat better, eat better. If you drink too much, stop. 1 Corinthians 6:19, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.”
Be peaceful. Don’t cause trouble everywhere you go. If your attitude makes others upset or angry, maybe you need to have an attitude adjustment talk with yourself. Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Accept others. We are all made uniquely. We are of various races, cultures, talents, interests, socio-economic levels, and opinions. Accept people for who they are. Hebrews 13:2, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
Have courage. Do not fear the unknown. Courage comes from within. Courage comes from knowing Who is in control of your life. Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Have faith. Nothing is impossible for God. He is our Father and we are His children. He wants what is best for us. Believe in His ability to do ALL things. Matthew 19:26, “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Love your neighbor. Love God’s people. Love God’s animals. Love God’s creations. Mark 12:31, “The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Pray. God wants us to communicate with Him on a daily basis. Prayer is one of the most vital parts of living. 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ”
Make God #1. Put God front and center – not your career, your spouse, your children, your money, your hobby, your desires – God – #1 in your life. Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
