Choosing Happiness

“I wish that I had let myself be happier” is one of the regrets reported by Bonnie Ware in serving patients near the end of their lives. She goes on to say that “Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice.”

Here is my question. Is this true from a Christian perspective? Can we choose happiness? I have been thinking about this, and here are some scriptures that have come to mind.

“I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices.” Psalm 16: 7-8

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.” Psalm 55:22

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1

“In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.” 2 Corinthians 7:4

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Phil 4:4

These scriptures come in the form of commands and mechanisms to accomplish gladness or rejoicing by keeping the Lord before us and casting our burdens on him even during affliction

Comments

Finding Beauty in Life’s Upheavals: Reflections from The Weathering Grace of God

Retirement provides us with a rare chance to pause, reflect, and consider the patterns of our lives—the successes, the setbacks, and the quiet work of God in all of it. Recently, our group of retired men benefited from a book report on The Weathering Grace of God: The Beauty God Brings from Life's Upheavals by Ken Gire, a book that uses the Rocky Mountains as a metaphor for life's upheavals and God's grace that transforms them. Gire reminds us that even the most frightening and confusing circumstances can, over time, be shaped into something beautiful. Gire’s insight begins with a simple but profound idea: life’s upheavals—whether death, disease, or disappointment—are like storms in the mountains. The bedrock of our certainties may shake. We feel lost, afraid, even abandoned. “We feel our way in the dark. Until we find each other. We huddle together in the storm. Wet and shivering, but together. And maybe in the end it will be our huddling in the storm that gives us mor...

Perspectives on Social Interaction, Community, and Friendships

Scientific research has concluded that ongoing, close relationships are cognitively and emotionally critical, especially as we age. Beyond science, Christian theologians, pastors, and authors have recognized the requirement of relationships for centuries. I have sought helpful perspectives from various sources to highlight the vital nature of relationships and community. Scientific Research: · Sanjay Gupta: Writes in “Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age,” “It turns out that people who are more socially connected to family, to friends, to community, are happier, they’re physically healthier, and they live longer than people who are less well connected.” · Robert Waldinger : In “The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness,” describes his research and says, “Loneliness is associated with being more sensitive to pain, suppression of the immune system, diminished brain ...

How to Avoid Identity Theft: Tips for Retirees

Identity theft can happen to anyone, but taking proactive steps can significantly reduce risk. Here are some practical tips tailored for retirees: Monitor Your Credit Report Regularly Check your credit report frequently with agencies like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Look for any suspicious activity or accounts opened in your name. Freeze Your Credit Consider freezing your credit to prevent unauthorized access. This makes it easier for fraudsters to open new accounts in your name with your knowledge. Monitor Your Financial Accounts Review your checking, savings, and credit card statements for unusual transactions. Knowing your payment due dates helps you spot discrepancies early. Beware of Check Washing Check washing involves altered intercepted checks to change the recipient and the amount. Use secure methods to mail checks and regularly monitor your accounts for unautho...

Retirement Insights

Search This Blog