Three keys to happiness in difficult times – Part 1

T

Israel Kristilere<br />

At this difficult time, no one is left out whether rich or poor, high or low, educated or uneducated. One great mistake anyone could make is to assume that your neighbour is not feeling the heat all because he has not complained nor felt it where you are feeling yours.

The truth is that the times are difficult and everyone is feeling the heat. Maybe, you think your neighbour is not feeling the heat because he has not lost his happiness. Let me make it clear that it is possible to be happy even at a difficult time. I am not even talking about joy in Christ for that is not negotiable.

As long as you have Jesus, nothing should take away your joy. (John 16:20-22) But I am speaking of happiness, which many people have said can be determined by circumstances. But I maintain that you can still have your happiness at difficult times. Three things I just want to mention though I believe these three are not exhaustive. I might disappoint some religious bigots who shall expect me to mention prayer, fasting, etc., as keys to happiness in difficult times. But the truth is that I have seen many prayerful people who are not happy at difficult times even after prayer marathon.

Actually, the more prayerful some of them are, the less happy they become during difficult times for they felt disappointed that things didn’t go their way. So, if you want to be happy at difficult times, you will need to do these 3 things as you work on yourself to achieve them.

The Three Keys:
Isaiah Chapter 43 presents a difficult time of passing through the waters, passing through the rivers, and walking through the fire. (Isa. 43:2) Two times, the Lord told His people to fear not with some promises for them to believe. (vs1,5) From the first seven verses of Isaiah Chapter 43, if you want to be happy in difficult times,

• Fret Not – The Oxford English Dictionary defines “fret” as “to be visibly anxious/worried.” If you are going to retain your happiness, fret not. The Lord says He has called you by name. (vs1) Fret not, He loves you to the end. (Psa. 37:1, 7-8, John 13:1)

• Faint Not — God said, “you are mine.” (1) He who owns you does not faint, so faint not. (Isa. 40:28) If you are a child of God, your DNA does not faint. (Pro. 24:10) Faintness is a matter of the heart. So, watch your heart. Do not faint for God’s promises never fail.

Rev. Dr. Israel Kristilere, Shepherdhill Baptist Church, (Sanctuary of Grace & Glory)
Baptist Academy Compound, Obanikoro, Lagos.
Whatsapp:2348033052590.
Email:revkristilere@yahoo.com