Inspired by lyrics to “If You Want To Be Happy” (Words and music by Sloan Wainwright, Sue Riley, Jana Stanfield):
“Don’t believe all that you think – if you want to be happy.”
“If you want to be happy, be careful what you say.
Resist the urge to criticize when things don't go your way.
You can't make yourself feel better putting other people down.
Remember words can hurt you when they come back around.”
“Focus on the things you have, not what you haven't got – if you want to be happy.”
“Give up control.” “Trust the Mystery – if you want to be happy.”
Responsive Reading for Sunday, January 7
“ . . . The LORD brought us out . . . . from there to lead us into the land he promised ….and to give it to us . . . that we may always have as prosperous and happy a life as we have today” (and want to have in the new year!) (Deut. 6:24-5).
Keep your mind off of unhappy thoughts.
Don’t believe all that you think – if you want to be happy.
“The LORD withholds no good thing from those who walk without reproach. O LORD of hosts, happy are those who trust in you!” (Psalm 84:12-13).
If you want to be happy, be careful what you say.
Resist the urge to criticize when things don't go your way.
You can't make yourself feel better putting other people down.
Remember words can hurt you when they come back around.
“How good the LORD is; happy are those who take refuge in him . . . . Those who seek the LORD lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:9).
Focus on the things you have, not what you haven't got – if you want to be happy.
"So now, O children, listen to me; instruction and wisdom do not reject! Happy the [person] who obeys me, and happy those who keep my ways” (Proverbs 8:32-4).
Give up control and trust the Mystery, children – if you want to be happy.