Sometimes I feel more heavy than happy, especially when people I love suffer, and there are so many hard things I’m powerless to change. The past few months have carried a whirlwind of emotions, and one morning this week, I couldn’t seem to shake the weight of several God sized burdens as I opened my Bible to Psalm 144:15.
“Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.”
The words stopped me. They were a stark contrast to my current mood, and I thought of Isaiah 61:3, where there is reference to the oil of joy for those who mourn in Zion, and a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
I love these truths. I needed them that morning, and I’m grateful to know the joy of the Lord is our strength.
But I’m also grateful to know it’s not an automatic commodity. It’s not a casual accessory I lay on the nightstand after dark, or grab as an afterthought on the way out the door while moving toward responsibilities of the day.
There are times I wish it was that easy.
Not long after closing my Bible, I walked past a collage above the light switch in my bedroom, and I stared at the word “believe” scrawled across a piece of black and gold scrapbook paper neatly framed against the wall. It shone through my moment of darkness, as it has so many times before.
Over the years, this frame has been a sweet reminder of God’s presence. It has also been a practical formula to unearth hope with faith in action. The inner joy of a happy heart isn’t always easy to come by, but I’ve noticed the ingredients to stir it up are often simple and unassuming.
In Deuteronomy 6:8, the children of Israel were instructed to bind the commandments, and write them on the doorposts of their house and on their gates. In similar fashion, I’ve found this pattern to be a good practice in my own life, one that provides an extra boost of confidence to weather the hard days.
Happiness is complicated.
But lifting your head doesn’t have to be. The God of happiness is also the God of hope, and He delights in taking time to lighten your load and brighten your path. If you need a ray of sunshine to color your own landscape these days, here are a few ideas for a shift in focus.
Post scripture and words of hope around your home and office – Have fun with the pattern, design and font.
Write a list of places where God has met you in the past – Use pretty paper or keep a special folder in your phone for quick recall.
Get creative with inspirational Bible verses – Use them as passwords for your electronic devices. (I learned this one from a friend, and it’s been a blessing in bringing God’s Word to mind throughout the day.)
Fill moments of your day with songs of worship and encouragement – Create a meaningful playlist on your favorite music app, or sing aloud in the car as you prepare to meet the day.
Pay attention to the small details of God’s presence in your natural surroundings – Take a prayer walk, notice the beauty of your right now moments, and capture the essence of His handiwork.
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