No matter what we do or where we go, life comes at us fast. Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react. We can't control what comes our way but we can choose how we will respond.
In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, with prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
What’s interesting about this passage is that Paul wrote it while he was in prison. Can you imagine rejoicing while locked in a prison cell? Paul’s decision to tell us to rejoice not just once, but twice lets us in on a secret — rejoicing is vital to a life of peace. Paul knew the human condition would want to do the opposite. Our nature is to grumble and complain about our circumstances, but the Kingdom way is to rejoice in every situation. So how do we choose happiness when our circumstances say otherwise?
This is the power behind creating habits — our habits happen without having to think. Many times, we have so much on our plates that we become overwhelmed. Establishing healthy habits is a protective measure. Why? Because even when we don’t know what to do, we still know what to do.
Based on the book The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha, there are seven hacks that will help us build healthy habits that increase our happiness.
1. Take a Walk
The more physical activity we have, the happier we are. Half an hour of brisk walking three times a week is proven to increase happiness and decrease depression. If we want to get our happiness up, we can first try getting our heart rate up.
Think of physical health like a car. Most of us will have multiple cars throughout our lives. We don’t think twice about caring for our vehicle, washing it, cleaning it, and maintaining it. What’s crazy is that we are only given one body for our entire life. Scripture says that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit – we are responsible for stewarding our health. A healthy body increases the chances of a healthy mind.
2. 20-Minute Replay
Take 20 minutes out of the day to reflect. Life happens fast and if we don’t intentionally acknowledge the good moments, we will magnify the difficult ones. There was a study done with 50 people over the age of 95. When asked what they would do differently if they could live life over again, one of the top answers was to reflect more.
At VOUS, we start our meetings by sharing stories. We take time to reflect on the miracle that’s in motion, taking note of what we’ve seen. Reflecting opens the door to finding contentment in the present rather than fixating on the future or the past.
3. Random Acts of Kindness
Have you ever experienced a random act of kindness? While it’s great to receive that gift, it’s even better to give. Scripture says that it’s more blessed to give than to receive.
Theologian Miroslav Volf once said, “For the heart to see rightly, the hand needs to give generously.” The more we implement random acts of kindness into our routines, the less random they become. Our eyes open to see those in need around us.
4. Complete Unplug
Unplugging from the world is not only healthy for the mind, it’s healthy for the soul. It’s easy to forget that just a few decades ago, most of us had no way to instantly contact someone else – and the world didn’t come to an end.
We oftenMany times, we struggle to unplug because we worry we’ll miss out on an emergency. Choosing to unplug resets our minds and serves as a reminder that God is the one in control.
5. Workflow
If we’re not careful, we can begin to see work as a burden. We try to avoid it, but the truth is that we are commanded to work. In Genesis, God gave Adam a job to do. He was responsible for tending to the garden and naming the animals.
Putting our passion to work is one of the best things we can do in life. Rest is only rest after we work.
6. 2-Minute Meditations
While many meditation practices encourage us to empty our minds, Biblical meditation focuses on filling our minds with God’s truth. Take two minutes throughout the day to practice mindful meditation. Create intentional opportunities each day to set your mind on scripture, focus on God’s promises, pray, and reset your thoughts on things above.
7. 5 Gratitudes
Gratitude shifts the atmosphere quickly. Each week, call out five things you are thankful for. The more we practice gratitude, the more it becomes part of our routine. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” No matter our situation, there is always something to be grateful for.
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Scientists and researchers are now agreeing with what Paul wrote to the church in Philippi 2,000 years ago. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, with prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Rejoicing is not a feeling or an emotion — to rejoice is a choice. When should we rejoice? Always.
When we get promoted — rejoice.
When we lose our job — rejoice.
When you have a child — rejoice.
When your children are struggling — rejoice.
This scripture lays the pathway to peace: rejoice in the Lord. Trust that He is near. Instead of anxiety, present your requests to God with gratitude. Then the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in a way that we can't understand.
