Again, God has given us another sure-fired way to be happy… and I know I’m not telling you anything new… but consider: do you REALLY believe this?
Happy are all those who seek refuge and put their trust in the Lord. (Ps 2:12 AMP)
Most of the people that come to me have some nagging relationship issue that is causing them sadness, stress, or terrible frustration. Though the verse quoted above is truth, knowing it does not seem to bring the relief, let alone happiness, most people desire. In fact, it can add increased pain as they struggle with guilt for not finding the rest and happiness it promises.
And yet, seeking refuge in any other way, i.e. the arms of another, clandestine cybersex, working massive hours to avoid the feelings of inadequacy at home or produce elusive financial security just distances them even farther from happiness. While most Christians don’t struggle (any longer) with drug or alcohol addiction for refuge from painful feelings, we have a whole host of replacements … some of which even look pretty darn good (high performance, never saying no, taking responsibility for others’ burdens, to name a few)!
Truth be told, many Christians don’t really know how to find true refuge or put their trust in the Lord.
What’s the problem?
Why is it so difficult to put our trust in the Lord?
Well, the answer is as varied as our backgrounds, what we’ve been taught about God, who we think we are to Him, what experience we’ve had when we’ve prayed, and what we have interpreted and concluded about all that.
One of the things I explore with my mentees is what are the possible beliefs lodged in their minds that keep them from putting their trust fully in the Lord. After prayerful consideration, they always discover what it is.
God is faithful to reveal what needs to be revealed. Once the internal tapes that play in their minds are identified, we can begin to dismantle them by the power of the Holy Spirit. Freedom is a happy thing!
So, today, why not ask God:
“Lord, what is in my mind, my belief system, or my memories that have created doubt in You?”
Then trust He will gently and lovingly reveal it to you.
Continuing on…. So, what does lead us to happiness?
Ps 1: 2 says it plainly: Delighting in God and His law. Meditating on Him and His words day and night.
Now this may seem daunting, but think about it… who is God, but LOVE! What is His law… LOVE! So, God has made things very simple for us, hasn’t he? It’s all about love.
Love God. Love ourselves. Love others.
The difficulty most of us have is in trying to love others without first having a deep intimate love for God and RECEIVING the deep intimate love that He first gave us.
That is why being in His presence is so vital to our lives, our relationships, and our work. I want to flow in love, not work at it, don’t you?And isn‘t being in the presence of Love, what all our hearts crave?
Indeed, all the studies done on happiness concur that having healthy, loving connections with others was one of the top contributors to happiness, definitely above money or things or even satisfying work.
But we are often thwarted in attaining those quality connections because the quality of our connection with the One who made us is often wanting.
He is the Source.
I spent years feeling unhappy about huge chunks of my life, and thankfully, God used that to woo me to Him, to pursue His presence.
And now, I happily admit, I am addicted.
Delighting in Him and His ways is easy, satisfying work. He is now my counsel. He’s the voice in my ear. So much so, that I no longer avoid the ungodly, the sinner, or even the scoffer!
In fact, I often purpose to be smack dab in the middle of them! How else can I form caring relationships with those who need love?
But this is not a job. This is a RESULT of His love flowing in and through me… which is a RESULT of sitting with Him, not in the seat of scoffers, letting Him love on me.
So, Tip for today: Seek the presence of God and let Him be your counsel. Let Him be the voice you hear and the advice you cling to. Meditate on, ponder about, and receive His love for you…. all day and all night long. Do you think that will help you be happier?
Thank you all so much for all your very intriguing, enlightening emails! Interestingly, the topic of happiness generated the most response of anything I’ve ever sent out!
It is clear that as desired as happiness is by most, (some people actually prefer misery, no joke!) it can be a confusing, complicated thing. While hard to explain, you all seem to know when you’re happy and when you aren’t!
Happiness does not have to mean a constant state of exhilaration and euphoria, but there is definitely a lifting and lightening of our loads. And who couldn’t use that now a days!!
Here’s my proposition:
God wants us to be happy. He is on our side! And there are over 70 verses that give us clues.
Besides the Word, a vast number of clinical studies done over the last decade aid us as well.
One interesting, though not surprising “discovery” is: contrary to our Constitution, the pursuit of happiness is fruitless!
Ah…. but didn’t I say it’s God’s heart and intention for us to be happy? Absolutely!
But we do not get happy by pursuing happiness.
Happiness is actually a RESULT of many different factors all working together. And we can be totally happy in one area of our lives, and not so happy in others.
So, let’s get real…. 24/7 happiness in every realm of our lives is pretty unrealistic!
And yet, we could all stand to be happier! I mean authentically happier, not the fakey, stuck-on-the-face-smile-happy. I mean the kind of happiness that gives us more energy, a greater sense of peace, freedom, and generosity.
So, come with me and let’s start digging for treasure.
Psalm 1. Great place to start! As far as I can tell, it is in this Psalm that the Hebrew word for “happy,” often termed “blessed,” is first seen.
For today, let’s just look at the first two verses … and as we do, please resist the urge to treat this verse like a platitude.
I’m pretty sure you have heard and seen this passage before, and so there will be a tendency to say, “Oh, that… ” and dismiss it.
Scripture can be mere information, or it can be power-packed, spiritual nutrients for our hungry souls … so let’s purpose in our hearts to take God’s word on the subject of happiness and ask Him to make it real and meaningful to us, carrying it around in our minds and hearts throughout the day.
Devour this food and let it energize you!
Blessed (HAPPY) is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1: 1-2
There was a time that I thought this verse meant that I had to cut certain people and places out of my life. And maybe for a season that was alright, seeing as I had so little confidence in who I was in Christ.
Years ago, as a young attorney, I desperately wanted to leave my job, and eventually I did. I found it very difficult to be around all those ungodly people, all those who mocked my God, all those who delivered worldly advice and wanted me to do the same. It hurt to be misunderstood and hear negative things about the One I loved so much.
It was not a happy place.
But this verse is not talking necessarily about cutting anyone out of our lives! It’s really about – who are we listening to?
Even after narrowing my field of friendships, I still had to deal with my own inner critic – you know, that voice within that torments you in the night, “advising” you as to what you shouldn’t or should have done, telling you what you are and what you’re not, filling your mind with fears and worries!
Sometimes the counsel of my own inner voice is pretty ungodly and does not agree with the love of God. Listening to it has caused me a great deal of stress and unhappiness.
There’s also a bit of a scoffer in most of us, right? Isn’t that what we do when we hear the word of God and add a “yeah, but…” after?
Whenever we place our experience or what we see in others’ lives above what God says… well, that is a bit of scoffing. And as the word says, that does not lead us to a happiness!
These may sound like dumb questions … doesn’t everyone want to be happy?
Well, yes, I believe they do. But, there is a notion about happiness in many Christian circles that specifically devalues happiness!
Consider this common teaching:
Happiness is related to happenings.
Happenings are temporary.
Therefore don’t seek happiness, a temporary and fleeting state of mind.
Instead, seek joy because joy is a reliable gift from God.
Well, I submit this thinking, one I long ascribed to, is wrong. Oh, not that I don’t believe in seeking the joy of the Lord… it is, after all, our strength.
But I do believe we can and should expect happiness… and not feel an ounce of trepidation, guilt, or shame about it!
In our counseling/coaching ministry, we talk with people regularly who are not happy – in their marriages, their jobs, their relationships with their children or extended families, in their finances… the list goes on.
If I may, I would like to do a series on this topic over the next week or so. I love people to be happy, and I know they can be.
In fact, the other day I came across my old high school yearbook and in it one of my best friends noted that I had a way of making people happy wherever I go. I didn’t know that. This was stunning to me. I had no idea making people happy would be part of my life’s mission!
So, I ask you again… are you happy and do you want to be? Would you be so kind and let me know?
On a scale of 1 -10, how happy are you, generally? How about in your marriage, if you are married? In your work? In your relationships, especially with God? with yourself?
I want to help you become happier. Would you let me know if this is of interest to you?
God has given us many keys I would love to pass on to you. It is His intention and design that we be happy, otherwise there would be no biblical passages giving us clues!!
So, here’s one for you to meditate on from Psalm 89:15:
“Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are the people who know the joyful sound; they walk, O Lord, in the light and favor of Your countenance!”
Tip #1: KNOW the joyful sound. This joyful sound is actually a loud, shout, often with music and relates to celebrating all that God has done! Go ahead! Feel free to celebrate! Shout out the goodness of the Lord! Even if you don’t feel like it — trust me, it is elevating and will transform the energy in the atmosphere around you.
Tip #2: WALK in the LIGHT and FAVOR of God’s countenance. His countenance is His turning His face to you, looking upon you, with Favor in His eyes! This is a truth you can carry around with you, all through the day! Maybe you can take some time and meditate and receive that today!
Tip #3: Get my new book, “Have I Ever Told You, You’re My Favorite!” It is helping so many increase in the favor of God… and that is a totally delightful key to happiness!
Recently I asked a group of ladies, “For what do you need God’s favor?”
One by one, they poured out their hearts – some revealing the dreams and calling the Lord had given them, others the desire for a job that paid well and they enjoyed. But for a large number of them, they needed favor to get to their ideal weight.
Tired of carrying around the extra poundage, feeling discouraged and disgusted every time they look in the mirror or a picture of themselves, and even worse, having impending health conditions affect the quality and duration of their lives, some of them struggled with the desire to even exert the energy to — one more time, try and lose the weight.
Now, I know I’m only 10-15% overweight, and so, some may disqualify me from speaking on the subject, but I am heavier than I ever have been before, and it’s not comfortable. I don’t like feeling the formation of a tire or two, around my belly. And while my health is still excellent, at the rate I’m going, jumping to the next size in clothing …. again … will be the least of my worries. Losing 15- 20 pounds would make me feel oh, so much better!
And yet, every time I have tried to lose weight in the past, it becomes a focus, and the more I focus on my weight, the more weight I put on! If I have been successful in losing it, the weight eventually finds its way back to my body bringing added reinforcement with it.
Can anyone say, “Amen?”
So, for me and others, I asked the Lord, “Does your favor work for weight loss?” I knew the answer had to be, “yes,” but I needed revelation on how.
Well, His answer is unfolding. I have noticed that when the Lord is beginning a a new work, or providing a fresh way to an old problem, His answer rarely starts with a list of to-dos … but rather, a meditation on an overall perspective … some attitude or truth to apprehend before actually designing an action plan.
So here’s what He gave me:
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of ALL grace – Who imparts ALL blessing and FAVOR – Who has called you to His OWN eternal glory in Christ Jesus, WILL HIMSELF COMPLETE and MAKE YOU WHAT YOU OUGHT TO BE, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen and settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10 (AMP)
God has given this verse to my husband and I a lot lately! And it seems to apply in all kinds of situations, but I never thought about it in terms of helping us with our attitudes about our bodies. And yet, more and more we hear of reports where pounds seem to melt off people who are basking in the glory of God at a revival meeting! Recently a friend shared how she lost 3 inches around her middle this way! His glory and favor can do that!
As I meditate on this verse, I am encouraged. Maybe we can approach losing weight in the same way we approach our salvation …. by grace, not works.
Maybe we need to sit with this verse before the Lord for a bit, letting His Spirit have His way within us before we jump into the next miracle diet plan.
Maybe the favor for now is “the divine influence on our hearts, and the reflection of such, in our lives.” Maybe we need His divine influence to truly believe that, “Faithful is He who calls us, who will also do it.” (1 Thess 5:24)
Being full of that truth, maybe this process would be so much easier.
So, rather than me giving you my take on this…. why not sit a few minutes in contemplation before the Lord, asking Him to reveal to you His take on it. Why not write down this verse today, take it with you, or post it somewhere prominent.
And if you need the favor of God to help you, let me know. I will definitely pray for you!
Can I be candid with you? It’s a little difficult for me to get started this week. The skies just let loose a torrent of rain, casting a dull gray veil on what would otherwise be vibrant greens, purples, and reds. Hmm.. Interesting.
You see, for a while now, I have felt like those vibrant spring colors. I’ve been in an impenetrable bubble of God’s favor. As He and His favor flows through me, around me, and before me, I am like a giddy little kid. I love to see His favor abound.
But as I talk to more and more people about God’s favor, I am confronted with the conundrum that for many favor sounds great, but their struggles are real, their hearts are heavy, and their hope has all but disappeared.
Where is favor then?Can we only experience it when things are going our way?
Well, as I write this, I want to share with you, I am having to answer that question personally.
I recently became aware that a person who matters much to me deceived me, and it hurt. Badly. And it still does. I was reminded of many conversations I’ve had with others who don’t know what to do with such pain.
Where is favor when your heart is broken, when your trust is violated, when you feel so betrayed that you can’t stop crying?
I almost did not write you. How can I encourage you with a Monday morning zing, when I feel so zapped?
Because the truth is, God is good, and He has an answer. Even as I write this, it is coming.
I see there’s only one thing to do: ASK.
“Lord, do you have a word for me? My heart is aching and I’m drawing blanks here.”
Yes, He does …. And here it is:
“Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
And so, find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.” (Prov 3:3-4)
Oh yes, refreshment to my soul and music to my ears.
There is a reservoir of mercy and truth within us. Like the colors of spring, they are there, in brilliant display, but the heavy rains can so obscure their vibrancy.
God is now showing me that during times of heaviness and pain, we need mercy for others and ourselves more than ever. We have been forgiven of all wrongs, and so, freedom lies in doing the same for others. I must tap into His mercy.
This is also not the time to forsake, or resist His truth. And what is that when we are in pain?
God loves us, we are special and important to Him, and even in this situation, He has a favorable outcome that He can and WILL work in our hearts and often, in the hearts others.
That is a powerful aspect of His favor!
Though people fail us, we can depend on Him. He is the lover of our souls. With that love He freely gives to us, we can in turn love the ones who hurt us.
As I meditate on this verse, and ask the Lord to deepen it within me, I notice my soul lifting, my hope being restored, and His love consuming me. I am rediscovering this rich deposit of His favor and freedom is flooding my heart.
I can count on a favorable outcome of His design. Oh, happy day!
Say … will you look at that. The sun has come out … the gray is gone… it is glorious. Have a fabulous week!
The richest of blessings to you!
Maryann
Where is favor when your heart is broken?
Good Morning and Happy Monday!
May I be candid with you?
It’s a little difficult for me to get started this week. The skies just let loose a torrent of rain, casting a dull grey veil on what would otherwise be vibrant greens, purples, and reds. Hmm.. Interesting.
You see, for a while now, I have felt like those vibrant spring colors. I’ve been in an impenetrable bubble of God’s favor. As He and His favor flows hrough me, around me, and before me, I am like a giddy little kid. I love to see His favor abound.
But as I talk to more and more people about God’s favor, I am confronted with the conundrum that for many favor sounds great, but their struggles are real, their hearts are heavy, and their hope has all but disappeared. Where is favor then?
Can we only experience it when things are going our way?
Well, as I write this, I want to share with you, I am having to answer that question personally.
I recently became aware that a person who matters much to me deceived me, and it hurt. Badly. And it still does. I felt my heart break into a thousand little pieces, and wondered if it would ever mend and feel whole again.
Where is favor when your heart is broken, when your trust is violated, when you feel so betrayed that you can’t stop crying?
I almost did not write you. How can I encourage you with a Monday morning zing, when I feel so zapped?
Because the truth is, God is good, and He has an answer. Even as I write this, it is coming.
I see there’s only one thing to do. And it’s not to talk about it with a bunch of friends, (though I am thankful to have an understanding husband who is always available when I need him.)
Complaining bitterly to others is no remedy for me, and it only compounds the hurt the more it’s repeated. For me, the only thing to do is seek the Lord, enter His presence, and ask Him for a word, a vision, a thought… anything. He knows what I need at every given moment, especially when I feel overcome with pain.
So, I asked, “Lord, do you have a word for me? My heart is aching and I’m drawing blanks here.” And here it is – an old familiar passage, a perfect verse for me. How faithful is He!
“Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
And so, find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.” (Prov 3:3-4)
Oh yes, refreshment to my soul and music to my ears.
I realize once again, that within us, there is a reservoir of mercy and truth. Like the colors of spring, they are there, in brillant display, but the heavy rains can so obscure their vibrancy. God is now showing me that during times of heaviness and pain, we need mercy for others and ourselves more than ever. We have been forgiven of all wrongs, and so, freedom lies in doing the same for others. I must tap into His mercy.
This is also not the time to forsake, or resist His truth. And what is that when we are in pain? God loves us, and even in this situation, He has a favorable outcome that He can and will work in our hearts and often, in the hearts others. That is a powerful aspect of His favor! Though people fail us, we can depend on Him. He is the lover of our souls. With that love He freely gives to us, we can in turn love the one who hurt us.
As I meditate on this verse, and ask the Lord to deepen it within me, I notice my soul lifting, my hope being restored, and His love consuming me. I am rediscovering this rich deposit of His favor, and freedom is flooding my heart.
I can count on a favorable outcome of His design. Oh, happy day!
Say … will you look at that. The sun has come out … the gray is gone… it is glorious. Have a fabulous week!
The richest of blessings to you!
Maryann
Maryann Ehmann
God has always been my Source. It just took me a while to know it and agree with it!
But as I’ve done so, He has transformed my life, and the life of every single family member. From lack to plenty, sickness to health, worry to peace, guilt to freedom, darkness to light…
This is His mission for you, too.
Oh, and yeah… this is a picture of me NOT in jammies!
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Have I Ever Told You….
You’re My Favorite!
The Importance of Feeling Special
God wants you to feel special, and one of the best ways He does it is by giving you His favor!
Spring has sprung up here in western New York, and though the cliche can get old, for me, the feeling of newness each year never does.
In fact, in Spring, I find it so much easier to see the buds of new attitudes and perspectives that the Lord has been cultivating in me over the past winter.
This “reveal” encourages my heart and solidifies my belief that He is indeed actively working in my heart and mind, renewing it, and thus transforming me. I love being transformed!
Do you love His transforming process? Continue reading →
God is showing my husband great favor these days (or maybe we are just more attuned to it!).
As a private investigator and security consultant, he often contracts with major corporations to find missing goods, expose shady operations, or discover counterfeit sources. He quite enjoys it.
This work has given him extensive travel experience (www.AmericasTravelExpert.com), but he is always looking for new places to go and write about. He is also a man after God’s heart, and he loves meeting new people and spreading God’s love wherever he goes.
Recently he was saying he would love to go to the Middle East or China…. and then the call came… an interesting case that pays very well.
And if that wasn’t favor enough, the company might need him to go to ….. YES! the Middle East or China. In 25 years of investigative work, this offer has never been presented! Hmmmm…. He jumped on it!
The forces that oppose us, however, do not like us experiencing the favor of God, His promises, or any good thing actually. They would like us to be frustrated and then, blame God.
And so, many times since Gene began this case, a wrench was thrown into the works where it looked like his desire would not be coming to fruition.
The favor of God is always at work, even if our heart’s desire is not fulfilled at the moment. God makes sure we have golden nuggets strewn along our path. We can rest in that.
However, we had a “knowing” that Gene was supposed to go, not just for him, but for the success of the case. Often corporate budget constraints can make executives short sighted and settle for inadequate results. Gene wanted win-win for everyone.
So, our spiritual training kicked in. We said “No!” to any and all obstacles. We proclaimed God’s love, delight and pleasure to have Gene go. We did not accept, “No”. This was a big lesson for us.
Three times we saw his travel threatened. Three times we declared he was going. Each time there was a temptation to roll over and just accept the company’s decision. But God trains us well.
Ps 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will guide you with my eye.”
Gene is now in Istanbul, Turkey, and next month he will go to Hong Kong!
God delights in delighting us.
Do you have a desire on your heart that He would delight in giving you? Let the Lord train you in appropriating His favor. It’s there for you, too!
Have a blessed day!
Maryann
PS Speaking of traveling…. this airport video will put a smile on your face!!
