Many people have the wrong idea about happiness and joy. They think that something from outside them has to occur that will provide them reason to be happy; a promotion, a new car, a boyfriend or girlfriend, someone complimenting them, etc. All these things are nice, but happiness really comes from inside us; how we look at our circumstances.

Solomon writes in Proverbs 1:7, “Joy fills hearts that are planning for good!”

We start the process and plan to do good, and happiness and joy are the result.

Dear Lord, help us remember that our joy comes from within us. Help us plan to do good and share our joy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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A couple days ago, I wrote about prayer, and asked that you pray for my father, who was in need of healing. My dad, and our family thank you all for your prayers.

Briefly describing the reason I asked for your prayers. My parents are vacationing about 3,000 miles from their home and due to a medical emergency, my dad ended up in a hospital. Though their trip included driving several hundred miles through some desolate parts of the western US, this emergency happened, thankfully, while they were in San Francisco. The surgeon that attended to my dad is apparently one of the best in the world in his field. As a result of the knowledge and skill of the medical professionals, two days later my dad is out of the hospital, and is well enough to plan on taking a bus tour around the city because the Doctors want him to wait a few days before flying home.

No one can know why this happened the way it did, but the situation reminds me of words God spoke to Isaiah in Isaiah 65:24, “I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!”

God tells us in Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” NIV

What a comfort it is to know that God cares about each of us, he knows our prayers before we even ask, and he is right there with us through life’s trials, our own trials, or those we love.

Dear Lord, We thank you that you have control over all of our lives. Thank you for hearing our prayers. Bring comfort and healing to those who face trials in their lives, so they may have your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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You probably know someone, or maybe you are someone who doesn’t worry about things, has a general comfort that everything is going to work out fine, and are confident that God has things working just the way they are supposed to.

David writes about this in Psalm 5:11-12 saying, “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”

We all can be like those described above. If we really put or confidence and trust in God, we can be happy, regardless of our circumstances, knowing that God’s favor surrounds us and he has things under His control.

Dear Lord, thank you for caring for and protecting us when we rely on you for support. Help us demonstrate this trust in you in ways that show others your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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As Christians we believe and frankly we know that God hears our prayers and answers them.

Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Never stop praying.”

James tells us in James 5:16, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

I know many of you need prayers for help and healing. I pray specifically for those of you whom I personally know are facing struggles. I would also encourage you to let your Pastor’s and churches’ know your needs so that they may also pray for you.

Today, I am asking for you to pray with me for my dad, who is in need of healing. Thank you for your earnest prayers.

Dear Lord, we know you hear our prayers, we know that you have complete control of all things. Give your physical and emotional healing to all those we pray for now. May their recovery bring glory to you. Heal my dad also Lord, by your grace and your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Have you noticed how much our “state of mind” affects what we think about events, our expectations, and how we treat others. For instance, if things are going well for us, we tend to have a positive “state of mind,” have positive expectations, and tend to be upbeat and positive with other people. When we are in a negative “state,” just the opposite tends to occur.

I would argue that we can control our “state of mind” by taking control of our thoughts. For example, our state of mind can quickly change when something tragic, or something fantastic occurs in our lives. So if some external event can change our thoughts, our own conscious choice to change our thoughts can do the same.

Paul writes in Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

I use two steps to try to get myself into the right state of mind when events are dragging me down. I first look at all the things for which I have to be thankful, and they are many. It is nearly impossible to be in a bad state when we are truly thankful. Then I pray and put my trust in God to lead me through my challenges.

The Bible tells us these things in many places. Here are a few to lean on.

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10

“Cast all your cares on him for he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Dear Lord, Help us take control of our “state of mind” with thankful hearts and confidence in your unlimited power to overcome any challenge we face. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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