I was chatting with our second daughter this week and she mentioned that people often comment on why she is so happy all of the time. She tells them she does still have grumpy times but that they usually don’t last long because she chooses to “feed happiness”. For her feeding happiness means that she purposely listens to happy uplifting music, watches happy movies and television, focuses on inspiring people, spends time with Jesus and knowing Him, and surrounds herself with relationships and pursuits that bring her joy.
Feeding happiness however is in contrast to what surrounds and encompasses most people’s lives. One look at the feeds on social media, the news, movies, entertainment and people’s conversations and you’ll soon discover that many of the world’s influences are not designed to feed happiness, but in fact despair and hopelessness.
Which is exactly why we really do need to take a good hard look at ourselves and determine what we are putting into our lives. What are we actually “feeding” on? Because why do we want to focus on the negatives when there are so many amazing, wonderful people, places and blessings that God has chosen to surround us with everyday. He says that His mercies are new every morning, that He is faithful to His promises and that He will complete that which He has started in us. He declares that with Him we have overcome the world. (Lamentations 3:22; Duet 7:9; Ps 138:8; John 16:33)
The question is, “are we feeding on what God says and the truth of what Jesus has already done for us, or are we feeding on the accounts of hopelessness, lack, sickness and fear?” Everyday we have a choice, but today I encourage you to make a decision to “feed happiness.” It will change your life; for not only will your perspective change from fear to hope but in choosing to “feed happiness” you will very quickly become a source of blessing and constant encouragement to everyone you meet.
“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” (Philippians 4:8-9 The Message)
“Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10)
Prayer: Lord I give you all my worries and concerns today and exchange them for your joy. Help me to feed happiness today in all I listen to, watch, and be a part of. In Jesus name Amen.