Monday 28 August - Happiness Begins with Gratitude: What Happens When People are Delighted

Introduction

Today is the Late Summer Public Holiday in the United Kingdom, and I can be found in my happy place - the North Norfolk coast. And I am delighted and supremely grateful! The search for happiness is a universal human longing. Where can we find it?

Does Worry Make You Happy?

Are you a worrier? Does it make you happy? I suspect even those of us who worry for a living don’t do it because it makes us joyful!

So how can we stop worrying? Paul says that instead of worrying about anything, we should pray about everything instead. Anytime you start to worry, check yourself, and turn to prayer instead.

Happiness Begins with Gratitude

Paul is specific about the type of prayer to pray too. He encourages us to ask for what we need, and crucially, to thank God for all he’s done. Why is that crucial? Because being grateful to God for all we’ve received from him brings peace. That’s where we find happiness. When we are delighted with what God has given us, then we feel much happier.

Happiness begins with gratitude. Take some time today to tell God what you’re thankful for and what you delight in. Be specific. Then tell him what you need and stop worrying about it. I guarantee you’ll feel happier when you do!

Think It Over

Think about the following:

Why do you think gratitude is so important to our happiness?