As we stared outside this morning at a dreary, gray sky dear Husband said, “We get to choose what kind of day we will have. We can choose to be happy.”  Although a native Oregonian, he has lived in sunny climes long enough as he says, “to know better than to like the gray.” But the weather doesn’t get to determine our happiness.

By lunchtime, it was just as dark as when we got up. We sat down to a meal of leftovers that turned out to be particularly bland. Pass the salt. But instead of complaining, dear Husband remarked on the beautiful color of a ripe tomato a friend had brought us from their garden. We concentrated on the deep red, comparing it to other reds on the counter. We truly appreciated the beauty of that tomato! And we forgot about the less-than-delectable meal.

The way we choose happiness is to choose God. God is the Source of all that makes us truly happy.  One of God’s names in the Old Testament is Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides.  (Even a red tomato!)  When we acknowledge the Giver, we’re putting things in their proper order.  God is above us caring for us out of his love and kindness.  We receive his loving care with gratitude.  And we savor the good things he provides instead of overlooking them, taking them for granted, or imagining we got them without his help.

So I’ve decided that I’m going to play a game. Every time I’m tempted to complain about something, I’m going to stop and look or think about something lovely that I’m grateful for. . . something that makes me happy, something delightful, that is God’s gift to me. Then I’m going to breathe a genuine, “Thank you, Lord. You’re good to me.”

“Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!” Psalm 147:1

I’ve had two consecutive migraines this week, which is unusual. In the aftermath, I was worn down and then I had a business disappointment. I wearily laid down on the sofa after a simple lunch and closed my eyes. But the game popped into my head. What could I enjoy and thank the Lord for? I had received the grace to thank him for the deal that fell through as his protection (more about thanking him for hard things next time). Now I wanted to use my senses to remind me to praise him more. Although a cloudy day, the sun broke through the clouds just then and warmed me. The light and the warmth coming through the window felt like a kind touch from my Heavenly Father to dispel my discouragement. I accepted it willingly with gratitude. The air smelled sweet with spices I was brewing for chai. I put aside thoughts that tried to steal the enjoyment- “You shouldn’t waste electricity. Turn it off and save money.” Instead, this time I let the delectable aroma linger and I reveled in it with an appreciative sigh. A dog ambled by with a snuffle on my hand. I shook off the familiar twinge of guilt for having two big dogs who eat a lot and just accepted the affection as a gift from my Master who is kind and generous. I heard dear Husband whispering a rebuke to the dog to leave me alone. And that was a reminder to be thankful for my biggest blessing- a spouse who loves God and loves me. I fell into a peaceful sleep and awoke with the energy to write.

“. . . to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” Isaiah 61:3

“And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.” 1 Corinthians 2:12

“I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done. . .” Isaiah 63:7

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father. . .”  James 1:17

Giving thanks is worship. I am acknowledging that God is above me. I’m confirming that he is worthy of praise. I’m recognizing his excellence. I’m confessing that I’m in need of him. I’m lifting him up, cheering for him, and boasting about him. I’m admitting that the good things I enjoy ultimately come from God. I’m conceding that what I’m enjoying is beyond what I could have gotten for myself.  My blessings are not from just my own efforts, and certainly not from dumb luck. I’m recognizing that he is the blessed Source of all that is good and lovely, enjoyable and worthwhile.

“When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.” Deuteronomy 8:10

Psalm 113:3
“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”

Worship can be done alone, but it’s important to set aside regular times to give thanks with a group of other believers. We’re meant to enjoy worshiping together. The Old Testament is filled with happy celebrations honoring and worshiping God together and enjoying one another.

“. . . celebrated the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great rejoicing, while the Levites and priests praised the Lord every day with resounding instruments dedicated to the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 30:21

“With my mouth I will greatly extol the Lord; in the great throng of worshipers I will praise him.” Psalm 109:30

The New Testament records and exhorts gathering together. It quotes Psalm 22:22. ““I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;
in the assembly I will sing your praises.”  Hebrews 2:12

“When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen”. Luke 19:37

“. . . not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another. . .” Hebrews 10:24-25

God has graciously ordained that we gain happiness when we do what he asks. And he asks us to honor him as God. Every time we thank him, we are elevating him in our hearts as the High Source of good things. And we’re admitting that we or the good things aren’t the ultimate.

Remember the game when you feel inclined to complain or feel down.
Notice or think about something that gives you pleasure:
An affectionate pet
View out the window
An answered prayer
A delicious taste
A beautiful song
A loving friend
Recognize its Source is God. He loves to give us good gifts and he also loves to be thanked.
Breathe a ‘Thank You, Lord. You’re good.’
Be happy in God.  Enjoy his gifts, too!