Will Someone Please Make Me Happy!
By: Dr. Mike Jones
I hear people who aren’t believers say, “Dr. Mike, I just wanna be HAPPY!” And when a Believer says, “I wanna be HAPPY!” They are talking about two different things – well, they should be!
For Believers, Jesus’ first recorded sermon in the Bible is what makes God the Father Happy and it should be our push to do those things here on Earth that brings US JOY that He’s pleased, Amen! And keep in mind that God’s definition of being Happy doesn’t include us acquiring cars, homes, or money, but it does require a renewed mind and obedience.
God’s ultimate Happiness for His children is citizenship in the kingdom of God and an abiding JOY that can never be taken away.
Let’s look at what makes God the Father Happy, when His children are doing what Jesus commanded US to do: Turn to Matthews 5:1-10; Matthews 7:13-14
Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: Matthew 5:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Here Jesus is saying, “YOU will ONLY find HAPPINESS by doing Kingdom principles!”
A well-known Bible Scholar of our time, generated a list of things, if WE GIVE THEM UP, while here on Earth, will make our lives a lot easier and much happier going forth, until Jesus comes back for His church.
He went on to say, “ We hold on to so many things that cause us a great deal of pain, stress and suffering – and instead of letting these things GO, to cause a more stress free life – we cling on to them.” What are some of them:
1. Give up your need to always be right
There are so many of us who can’t stand the idea of being wrong – wanting to always be right – even at the risk of ending great relationships or causing a great deal of stress and pain, for us and for others. It’s just not worth it. Whenever you feel the ‘urgent’ need to jump into a fight over who is right and who is wrong, ask yourself this question: “Would I rather be right, or would I rather be kind?” Wayne Dyer. What difference will that make? Is your ego really that big?
2. Give up your need for control
Be willing to give up your need to always control everything that happens to you and around you – situations, events, people, etc. Whether they are loved ones, coworkers, or just strangers you meet on the street – just allow them to be. Allow everything and everyone to be just as they are and you will see how much better will that make you feel.
“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond winning.”Lao Tzu
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12. Give up your excuses
Send them packing and tell them they’re fired. You no longer need them. A lot of times we limit ourselves because of the many excuses we use. Instead of growing and working on improving ourselves and our lives, we get stuck, lying to ourselves, using all kind of excuses – excuses that 99.9% of the time are not even real.
13. Give up the past
I know, I know. It’s hard. Especially when the past looks so much better than the present and the future looks so frightening, but you have to take into consideration the fact that the present moment is all you have and all you will ever have. The past you are now longing for – the past that you are now dreaming about – was ignored by you when it was present. Stop deluding yourself. Be present in everything you do and enjoy life. After all life is a journey not a destination. Have a clear vision for the future, prepare yourself, but always be present in the now.
(Adapted from Things You Should Give Up To Be Happy; all Scripture references are taken from the KJV unless otherwise noted.)