Be Happy

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says:
"Rejoice always. , pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

In this day of stress and pressure, we need to stay ahead of it all. It is so easy to say how busy you are and don't know how you'll manage. It's so easy to let it get on top of you and end up depressed and miserable and piling in to all of the pressure. The Apostle Paul tells us to 'Rejoice', not just now and again. Not just when we get some good news or something goes right for once. No, Paul says to 'Rejoice - ALWAYS'. In other words be happy in your life.

Now this isn't always easy, not with everything being fired at you on a daily basis. It's a choice. We all have the ability to choose things, no matter what comes our way. Paul is basically saying, 'Choose every day to be happy. Every moment of every day, choose to live your life in enjoyment, despite the circumstances.' You may say, 'That's not easy. You don't know what I'm going through.' This is very true, I don't know what you're going through, but you still have choices. You can still choose to be happy, even if it's the last day of your life. But this takes practice. I've worked in a hospice with dying people and their relatives and I've been amazed how they've opened up to me and allowed me to help them reach this place of dignity. Easy? No. Achievable? Yes.

 There's always a way through most things. If there isn't God will provide a way. The thing is, we have to be in a place to allow Him to help us. We may have debts and demands for payment coming through the post every day. This can't be ignored. We have to do something about it, and there are people skilled in this area to help you through this. Seek them out. It can't be ignored, it needs action.
There may be family issues, marital problems, loss of employment, unable to find work issues. The list can be endless. But we still have choices. You may have made a few bad choices lately. However, there's a way through this. Set yourself free from the worry by giving it all to God and put a smile on your face. No matter what you're going through, Jesus is still on the throne and if you allow Him, He will take control. However, you must talk to Him; share it all with Him and seek His help. He'll be only too willing to offer this help. He won't wash it all away though. We have to learn by the mistakes of life. Sometimes it may not be our fault, but we're still left with the problem and it still needs His help.

The first place to start is with Jesus. Start praising Him. He has the answer. Allow Him to put that smile back on your face and to be happy. When we're happy, the way forward doesn't appear so bad; it's only when we allow things to get on top of us.
So start rejoicing and give it to your Friend.