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