DISCUSSION:
If you watch TV or read social media you will see that there are thousands of things designed to make you happy. So, it should be easy to find happiness, shouldn’t it? I think the fact is that nothing in this world will bring us happiness. We have to choose to be happy regardless of what is going on in our lives. Solomon said, “There is nothing new under the sun and all is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9, 14). Using today’s language we might say, Solomon has been there and done that. Solomon wasn’t a doctor, but he realized the mind had a big influence upon the body. In Proverbs 17:22 He presented two options: Live a happy life and enjoy good health or live without happiness and risk a life of sickness. Sadly, although Solomon knew this because of his God given wisdom, he ended up ignoring his own advice. (Thought) Do we do this same thing a lot of times?
About three thousand years later through science we are realizing that happiness is part of being healthy. Today through research, there is strong evidence that a cheerful attitude promotes a stronger immune system (University of Kentucky research). Also, the University of Michigan found more good news: The more positive people are, the less likely they are to have a stroke. Research shows also that the simple act of smiling is correlated to better health, stronger relationships, and longer life spans. Smiling helps lower stress for you and the one who sees you smile (it is catching). What are two things you can do today to bring more joy into your life? Rejoice in the Lord, and smile.
At least one day this week make a conscious effort to smile at everyone you meet.