Be Happy

DEFINITION:

• MERRY HEART

o Dictionary.com describes it as:

? full of cheerfulness or gaiety.

? Joyous in disposition or spirit.

? Laughingly happy.

• Hebrew word “meah” meaning joyful, merry and glad.

Proverbs 15:13

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

How to develop a joyful heart:

1. BE THANKFUL ALWAYS.

a. Everything happens for a reason.

b. Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

c. Psalm 33:1

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

d. Psalm 69:30

I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

e. James 5:13

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.

f. Acts 16:25

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

2. INCREASE YOUR FAITH.

a. Faith is the substance of things hope for. Hebrews 11:1

b. Have an attitude of expectation and anticipation.

c. Create a positive attitude.

d. Luke 17:5 - The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

e. Romans 10:17

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

f. People who are living in faith are happy people – joyful people.

3. CAST OUT ALL HEAVINESS.

a. 1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

b. The way we approach the problems and trials in life, brings about good healing.

c. Our attitude is important.

d. Practice forgiveness.

e. Psalms 32:1

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

f. Be a load lifter, not a burden maker

g. Proverbs 11:25b –whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

h. Associate with cheerful people.