Joy Unspeakable!

I listened to a speaker once who talk about happiness and how to be happy. One of the things he mentioned was the exercise of writing down 3 things each day that you are grateful for. He had a list of some other simple exercises, but basically it amounted to giving to others and being grateful for what you currently have and reflecting on that daily.

In America you would think with all of our prosperity and opportunity that would not even be an issue, but for many it is. What I am seeing overseas is that happiness is not contingent on "things" and that prosperity can rob you of your appreciation for things big or small, IF your happiness is based on "things", jobs, homes, awards, etc.

Having lived in a rural resort area of South India, I was surprised at how happy the people were there! They come from all over India to the mountains there and ride bikes around a lake that is almost dried up because of a lack of water, bikes that are taped together, the place is dirty by my standards, yet everyone is happy, grateful, and having a blast! It is as if they do not know their condition? Hmmm...Maybe it is my condition that needs fixing and not theirs?

If we look at scripture we can see that ALL of God's children have reason for hope and happiness, IF our trust is in him and not our external condition. Where does your hope and happiness come from?

Whom shall I fear, the Lord thy God is with me. "Yeah though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and staff they comfort me". Psalm 23:4 Joy unspeakable!

"I lift up my eyes to the hills–where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip–he who watches over you will not slumber;
Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you–the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm–he will watch over your life;
The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore". Psalm 121

We all have much to be grateful for! I trust you are not blinded by too much so that you can appreciate what you have is all a gift from God! Blessings to each of you....

Song: "Joy Unspeakable" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZaXKFdRMW8

Being Content and Abound

The book of Psalms is great for encouragement. During times of uncertainty we read and are encouraged in our walk to keep the faith, to press on even when we do not have the answers or know the way. God promises to always be with us and to guide us. Psalm 63:8 " My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me." When we are totally dependent on God for our every need, there is no need to question or doubt. Faith is real because it is proven daily for our edification, whether in lack or abundance.

Living in India, demonstrated this best to me. The young kids pictured here saw me one day and started running to catch up with me as I took my usual walk around the lake before heading home. They were so excited because they each had a piece of fried corn fritter of sorts, they were given by a local vendor and were happily munching on it. They were all smiles with their bare feet and dirty clothes, happy to show me their "catch"!

As we continued down the street together towards our homes, they chattered happily though what they were saying I do not know, but there was no disguising the fact that they were happy! As we went to cross the busy street, the boy with the baby in his arms, motions for me to come, come. Here I was thinking I was helping them and it was quite the opposite.

Shortly after they waved and said bye, they descended the bank off the main street to their grass hut and thatched roof by the stream. No beds, dirt floors, outdoor fires for cooking and heat. They had many reasons in my opinion to be upset or angry at life, instead they were grateful for the little things, daily substance, small miracles with grateful hearts!

My reflection was and still is am I grateful, humble and loving to a God that supplies all of my needs, or am I arrogant, demanding and unappreciative for his many blessings and daily provisions thinking pridefully that it is my own efforts and hard work that sustains me?

Where is my home, food, clothes and family? Am I doing without? Do I not have many reasons to be grateful? Thought provoking questions for us all.

My prayer continues," Lord help me be as appreciative as these kids in India were, at the very least, and reflect to those around me each day your love through me", in Jesus name.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrEzr-rWwe8