2 Mar, 2011
Life and Lemons
Although we've been told by parents, teachers, and mentors that "when life throws you a lemon you should make lemonade," who knew such a notion could actually be life changing? According to a recent review of over 150 studies, scientists believe they now have proof that happy, optimistic people live healthier and longer lives than those who choose to do otherwise. In fact, according to these particular studies, those who choose to look at the glass as "half empty," actually die younger.
. . . evidence linking an upbeat outlook
and enjoyment of life to better health and longer life was stronger even
than that linking obesity to reduced longevity, according to the review
published on Tuesday in the journal "Applied Psychology: Health and
Well-Being."
"I was almost shocked,
and certainly surprised, to see the consistency of the data," said Ed
Diener, the University of Illinois psychology professor emeritus, who
lead the review. (Reuters.com)
Picture courtesy of Google Images
Psalm 95:1-3
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
3
For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
What does today's story and God's Story scripture teach us about choosing joy?
As Christians, we (should) know and fully understand the difference between happiness and joy. We know that happiness is merely circumstantial - it comes and goes based on what we are doing (or others are doing to us), our state of mind, our personal situations, etc. Our level of happiness changes when life's circumstances change, but joy . . . God's joy runs much deeper. Unlike happiness, joy can be present even when everything else seems to be falling apart. It is a decision to trust God and His Sovereignty always, even when nothing seems to make sense; it's then that the joy of the Lord becomes is our strength (Neh. 8:9).
While there are times in our lives when we may find ourselves looking for a reason to be happy, a reason to laugh or even smile, God's Word tells us that we always have a reason to rejoice and be joyful: "For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods!"
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to my life?
Take a minute to assess your life and, more importantly, your life-attitude. Do your emotions and level of happiness tend to travel up and down like a never-ending roller coaster? Do you find it difficult to have a joyful heart in the midst of life's circumstances? If so, talk to God about it. Ask God to help you take a step back from "life" and, instead focus your heart on WHO HE IS. Look up some verses in scripture that talk about all of indescribable attributes of God (who He is, what He's done, what He's capable of). Most of all, remember that, although happiness is something that happens to you, joy is something you choose. Make a decision, today, to CHOOSE JOY . . . no matter what.
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture and my story to others?
1) Listen. Really listen to your friend and his story. Find out what circumstances he's in and pay attention to the way he seems to be approaching life. Is he an optimist or pessimist? Is he able to face things with joy, or are his attitude and actions completely controlled by his current situation?
2) Pray. Pray. Pray. That God would give you wisdom and discernment in what to say to your friend and when. Pray for opportunities to talk to your friend about life, happiness, and the joy of the Lord. Pray that God would use you to help others see that it's only because of Christ that you can have joy in rough circumstances.
3) Share the recent study on happiness and use it to start a conversation about joy; help him understand the differences between happiness and joy. Share with your friend that true joy can only come from a relationship with Christ - He is what allows you to choose joy on a daily basis.
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