Happy Thoughts: Be Happy and Overcome

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. (John 15: 18,19 NIV)

Happy Thoughts

Thoughts running rampant through my mind are happy thoughts. It’s Motivating Monday! I am happy today. This day is a new beginning each week. I love new beginnings. There is a sense of hope. You may wonder how these verses were selected when I am in the midst of happy thoughts. I will explain.

Tenacity

I used to be bothered at the world not liking me. When a person is bold for Christ, we have the tenacity necessary to avoid being swayed by the crowd we are with. If we are not swayed, then we are rejected. Let’s be truthful here, if you are rejected for your strong Christian beliefs, then this was not a person or group you were meant to be inclusive with. This can be the case with groups within the church. I know this is a hard lesson in our spiritual journey. However, when the world rejects you, they can detect Jesus in you. This is a good thing.

Skin toughens

As our relationships grow in Jesus, we become more like Christ. Our skin toughens and less concerned what others think about us. The joy of the Lord is our strength. We are happy. Even when we are weak, He is strong. We walk on the path of righteousness. Jesus is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. We learn scripture to heed His warnings and claim His promises. Honestly, you reach a point where you turn around and see all the unhappiness of the world. Harshness is reflected in so many people.

Thanksgiving

We have all been there before, and knowing where we came from to where God takes us, is true thanksgiving. I helped my husband with a thorough cleaning of his office last evening. When I think back to our early days of marriage (Ok! first five years) and the trials we have overcome, I can hardly contain thanksgiving to our Lord. A family business is never easy no matter the family or the business. His family is no exception. Yet, I left his office feeling like my cup runneth over with happy thoughts. God is good! I am thrilled with how God uses my husband in Agriculture.

Faithfulness

When we are faithful to God, He is faithful back. We can either be loved by the world or loved by God. Dear friends, this is an easy choice. I assure you, if you will keep pursuing God, you too will be an overcomer! No matter how old you are, if you are not happy, time to reflect on who you serve…world/self or Jesus?

It’s Motivating Monday! Have a great week!

Be encouraged!