What causes happiness? The answer is simple “Thankfulness is the key to contentment”.
Try this…start out every day listing 5 things you are thankful for. You will be amazed at how your attitude and perspective will change. Here’s an example of how it works. As you wake, you might let God know that you are thankful for the ability to draw breath and enjoy another day on earth with those you love. As you step out of bed, you thank Him for your health including sight, hearing, strength, mobility, sound mind, etc. You continue by saying thanks for having a roof over your head for protection from the elements. As you turn on the water to brush your teeth, shave, and shower you express your thanks for having clean running water; acknowledging that there are many other who don’t enjoy that luxury. Your thankfulness continues as you get dressed realizing that there are many who only have one change of clothes, as you sit to enjoy a healthy breakfast and know that thousands upon thousands across the world will not have a meal today, as you say good bye to your family and think about those who have lost or are separated from their loved ones, and as you jump into your car to drive to work and it hits you that many do not have a car or a job. I think you get the idea.
So much of our unhappiness is because we chose to dwell on that which makes us unhappy. Instead be thankful for all you have to be thankful for; it will make you happier!
Philippians 4:6-8 says it this way…
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, 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.”
Tags: Be Happy, Contentment, Happiness, Happy Life, Thankfulness