Today we made it to the first of four steps in "How To Be Happy No Matter What". As we looked at the state of Paul's life leading up to the point when he wrote the book of Philippians, we see a man who has every reason NOT to be happy. Regardless of his troubles, he writes, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Goodness of Christ." (Phil. 1:23) "WHATEVER"? That is a BIG word. But, yes, whatever is exactly what Paul meant. It's all about our truly embracing God's sovereignty in ALL circumstances. Living any other way is practicing practical atheism--or living as if there is no God.
We all have problems, pains, and trials--although nothing in comparison to Paul--they are real to each of us and rob us of our happiness. In the focal passage (Phil. 1:12-30) we learn from Paul that in order to be happy, no matter what, the first thing we must do is...
1. Look at every problem from God's viewpoint: "I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that EVERYTHING that has happened to me has helped to spread the Good News." (Phil. 1:12)
Paul's dream was to preach in the Colosseum in Rome--the center of the modern world. God had a different plan for Paul. However, as we now know, it was a much better and more effective plan. Paul might not have stood before thousands in the Colosseum, he did, however, preach and witness to over 4,000 Praetorian Guards (prestigious guards of the emperor--Nero) assigned to guard him--one-on-one. He also had opportunities to preach to many of the Royal family members--something he more than likely could never have done outside of God's plan. It is only one of many examples of how what often appears to be a problem to us is quite different when viewed from God's perspective.
Instead of having when and what thinking, we need to learn how to be "happy in the now"--savoring life in the moment--the now! Don't let the pressures of life squeeze your thinking in such a way that your field of vision is limited to the narrow view of your worries, pains, regrets, fears, and troubles of yesterday and tomorrow (things in tomorrow that have not even happened and--most likely--never will). Choose to live in the NOW! "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34)
Next week we will continue with the remaining 3 steps in "How To Be Happy No Matter What".
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