Some Practical Rules For Happier Living

Everyone wants to be happy, but many fail in their quest to find that elusive prize because they are looking in the wrong places. In Proverbs 16:20, the Proverb writer tells us, “Whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.” And Psalm 146:5 KJV indicates that happiness comes to those who find their help and hope in God.

The foundation for happiness is a proper relationship with the Lord. However, in order for us to fully experience that happiness, we must build on that foundation in practical ways. Here is a list of some practical rules along with related Scriptures for happier living:

• Give something away (Luke 18:22; Acts 4:33-37; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5)
• Do a kindness to others (cf. 2 Samuel 2:1-6; 2 Samuel 9:1-13).
• Give thanks always (Ephesians 5:20; cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).
• Work for the Lord with vim and vigor (Ecclesiastes 9:10; Ephesians 6:5-8).
• Visit the elderly and learn from their experience (1 Samuel 3:1-21).
• Look intently into the face of a baby and marvel (Exodus 2:5-6; cf. Psalm 139:14; 1 Corinthians 12:18).
• Laugh often — it’s life’s lubricant (Ecclesiastes 3:4; Job 8:20-21; cf. Proverbs 17:22 NLT).
• Pray to know God’s way — it’s the only way (John 14:6; cf. Matthew 7:13-14,21).
• Plan as though you will live forever — for you will! (cf. Matthew 25:1-13;1 Corinthians 15:50-54).
• Live as though today is your last day on earth — it might very well be (Luke 12:16-21; cf. Proverbs 27:1; James 4:13-16).

Undergird each of the above rules with praise, and our happiness will be complete:

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord while I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being” (Psalm 146:1-2 NASB).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets