Controlling My Reactions

What would it take to make you happy?

That question was asked of 52,000 Americans in Psychology Today. These were their answers: friends or social life; job; being in love; recognition and success; personal growth; good financial situation; having a house or apartment; being attractive and beautiful; my religion; recreation and exercise; being a parent, marriage. The interesting thing about this is most of the attempts to find happiness are through external situations instead of internal.

The popular idea of happiness is this: having the right circumstances. It's what some call "when and then" thinking.

"When I get out of school, then I'll be happy.”
"When I get a job, then I'll be happy.”
"When I get married, then I'll be happy.”
"When I have kids, then I'll be happy.”
"When the kids leave home, then I'll be happy;”
Many people even pray about being happy. "God, please bless me so that I will be happy." And God wants to bless you. But the blessings of God are often more than a new car, a bigger salary, and a better lifestyle.

In the teaching series, “Happy," watch and listen as we experience what the Bible has to say about being HAPPY.

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." -Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)