Continuing with The Happy Habit, Mrs Meyer gives us this great advice: it is no one else’s responsibility to make you happy, so stop waiting for someone else to make you happy. Do what God puts in your heart because that will bring you joy. She gives a great story about this on pages 87 through 89 of her book which I won’t go into except to say that, when the woman in the story finally understood this truth, she made some changes in her life that improved her marriage and helped her discover the gifts God had given her. When she implemented them, she found the joy she was craving. This can be our reality too. I am a pharmacist by trade yet, when I was practicing, I was miserable. Not because I did not like the science behind it all, the body is fascinating and it is my heart’s cry to help people live as healthy as possible. But I do not believe that was the avenue God wanted me to follow. Now that I am coaching, speaking and teaching, I have found my purpose and can use my expertise in ways that help others as well as leave me feeling fulfilled. If you are floundering and just not satisfied with your life, please spend some quality time praying that God will help you find your joy. Because He desires us to be joyful.
Some people have a hard time with this truth. Mrs Meyer talks about growing up in a home where she was yelled at for laughing, so she learned quickly that joy was not allowed. It took her some time as a Christian to believe that God wants His children to be filled to the over flow with joy. She cites another favorite of mine, John 10:10 which clearly speak about how Jesus came that we may have the Abundant Life, one overflowing with peace and joy and all that is good in Him. (see Jn 10:10) So please give yourself permission to laugh, and laugh often! Being joyful reflects God’s Character…remember the Fruit of the Spirit? (Gal 5:22-23)
Some people might think that they cannot be happy until they are perfect. Good luck with that! In that case no one would ever be joyful! Mrs Meyer says, “Even while we are maturing and changing, we can enjoy our imperfect self.” If you made a mistake yesterday, don’t waste this day beating yourself up about it! Confess and let it go, then choose to be joyful. We obviously do not celebrate our brokenness or any remaining sinfulness, but we do grant ourselves mercy as we are growing into who we will always be. We are a work in progress and we can choose to enjoy the ride! Remember: God is not mad at you…He is mad about you! So stop beating yourself up and choose joy!
14 Good Habits
Behavior 1: The God Habit
Behavior 2: Thoughts, Words and Habits
Behavior 3: The Habit of Being Decisive
Behavior 4: Healthy Habits
Behavior 5: The Happy Habit
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
<>< Peace, Diane
