The world tells us that fame, wealth, love, friends, likes and stuff makes you happy. But the kind of happiness that the Bible talks about is different. Romans 12:12 says, Be happy because of the hope you have. We can be happy because:
But we truly find happiness when we do God's work. When we love and accept others like he does, when we forgive people who hurt us, when we help people who are in need, when we encourage people who are down...
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I am not an athlete but I know that you need to look where you're running. If you try to look behind you when you're running you veer off course. It also slows you down. The Apostle Paul knew this when he wrote Philippians. He wrote, I forget what is in the past and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me. I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to life up there in heaven. Our goal is eternity with Christ so we need to keep our eyes him or we'll get distracted by the things around us and miss the finish line. Paul knew that the past can be a big distraction and said that we have to forget about it (easier said than done).
CHALLENGE: What are some of the things that distract you? What broken relationships, hurts or events etc. keep you looking back? What is the finish line that you are heading for? I love these verses in the New International Version as well. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. It is one of my passages in the Bible. There will be difficult times in life - exam stress, friend troubles, the death of a friend or family member, illness, money problems, broken hearts etc. Even though life is hard during these times, we can endure them because God's spirit lives in us. He comforts us and gives us strength. Verse 17 says, For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. This basically means that our tough times don't compare to how great eternity will be with God.
If you are going through a hard time - let me know. I'd love to pray for you. This is funny and true. Just because you are young doesn't mean that you can't volunteer at your church. The church I attend has teen helpers in the children's church and a teen worship band. I'm sure there are plenty of other ways you can help too. Ask your youth pastor how you can help at your church.
Who do you follow? What does your instagram account say about you? Jesus told his disciples, "follow me" (Matthew 4:19). He also said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
Don't get distracted following popular culture, famous celebrities or artists. Follow Jesus. Imagine what we could accomplish if we followed Jesus as enthusiastically as we follow Taylor Swift or the Kardashians. Imagine if we spent as much time reading and studying our Bible as we did watching Netflix. Just some food for thought... The Bible Gateway has an interview with Max Lucado on the topic of happiness (which also happens to be the subject of his new book, How Happiness Happens. In it, he said, The words of Jesus are spot-on: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Because when you do, it has a boomerang effect. Happiness happens when we give it away.
So, how do you give happiness away? I hear you ask. You spend time with your little brother or sister, even they annoy you. You help your Mum with the dishes - before you are asked. You sit with the girl at school who usually sits alone. You invite that unpopular girl to your party. You smile at the homeless man and say hello. You donate your pocket money to charity. You buy a gift for a child in need. You help you elderly neighbour tidy her yard. You share your lunch with the boy who forgot his. You listen to your grandparents' stories, even though you've heard them before. You help your dad mow the lawn. Do you get the idea? Who are you going to give happiness to today and how are you going to do it? |
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