Being happy is a choice. It’s changing your mind on how you see things, for example, seeing an opportunity in a problem or the positive in a negative situation. How we feel about a matter, comes from how we perceive it.

The other day I was speaking with a friend of mine who will be moving back home, she was feeling discouraged with herself and sad. She pointed out all the negative things she was seeing in her situation and most of those were in her mind. Things like, “what will people think of me”.. “I feel like a failure almost”.. “I’m going back with less money than I came with”… as she shared different things she was feeling I said, “Look at the amazing friends you have made though… and your walk with God totally grew!” I reminded her that though she was going back home with less money, that it wasn’t as important when compared to what she’s going back with spiritually. She has had an incredible few months here! She’s made great connections, built amazing friendships, she found a church she can call home when she visits, she’s had God encounters that have left her in awe of Him. After she realized this, she was happy!

It’s all in how we view what is going on. You can choose to see the light in the dark or choose to be scared in the dark.

Last month I was super sad and nearly depressed for not being married with kids yet (side note: It’s not a “loneliness” issue, I’ve never struggled with that, Praise God!) … turning 29 next month was scaring me! (OK it wasn’t just last month..it’s been awhile) This month, after talking with the most incredible people God has put in my life and asking God to reveal things to me that I’m not seeing, I’ve realized a lot of things I wasn’t noticing!

Now, I’m SO HAPPY with my life and where God has me. I really don’t care about being single, in fact, I’ve challenged myself to be the happiest single I know! which hasn’t really been a challenge at all now, weird. There’s a lot this past year that I’ve allowed to affect my emotions, not just the single part, its been many different stuff. My heart is at complete peace right now 🙂 There are certain things I’m not worried about anymore, such as, where my life is going, what I’ll end up doing after this job, when I will be married, am I going to live in SJ forever etc. I trust that God is going to open the right doors, guide me where I should go, provide whatever I need.. the list goes on.  I’m just not placing worry and fear in those things anymore, but rather… placing trust and excitement there instead.

I encourage anyone who is full of fear or worry, to spend time with God and ask him to reveal things to you that you haven’t looked at.. I’m praying that your perspective on things changes… and that you are able to feel peace and joy in your heart by giving Him all the things that have been bombarding your mind and putting weight on you. Take the weight off and give Him the load.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” -1 Peter 5:7
“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:30

I hope this helped some of you. and I hope you can truly Be.Happy. Remind yourself of how GOOD God is… He’s never forgotten about you, He’s faithful!

Prayer:
God I pray for those who are feeling overwhelmed with life, who are feeling anxiety, heavy, a weight on their shoulders, worried, scared, fearful etc. And I pray that you would consume them with your peace and pour out your love on their hearts. I pray that you would reveal to them something they haven’t noticed about their situation, help them to see the light in the dark, to be strong and confident in knowing that you are taking care of them. I declare peace over all of those who are feeling chaos in their hearts, and comfort to those who are feeling alone. God, give them all a big hug and remind them of how much you are madly in love with them. amen.

-Martha Inez-