Weekly Summary
This week on Battle Drill Daily Devotionals, we focus on Paul’s words in Philippians 4 as we consider the source of our happiness.
Table of contents
Summary
Happiness begins with gratitude. Take some time today to tell God what you’re thankful for. I guarantee you’ll feel happier when you do!
Introduction
Today is the Late Summer Public Holiday in the United Kingdom, and I can be found in my happy place – the North Norfolk coast. And I am delighted and supremely grateful! The search for happiness is a universal human longing. Where can we find it?
Does Worry Make You Happy?
Are you a worrier? Does it make you happy? I suspect even those of us who worry for a living don’t do it because it makes us joyful!
So how can we stop worrying? Paul says that instead of worrying about anything, we should pray about everything instead. Anytime you start to worry, check yourself, and turn to prayer instead.
Happiness Begins with Gratitude
Paul is specific about the type of prayer to pray too. He encourages us to ask for what we need, and crucially, to thank God for all he’s done. Why is that crucial? Because being grateful to God for all we’ve received from him brings peace. That’s where we find happiness. When we are delighted with what God has given us, then we feel much happier.
Happiness begins with gratitude. Take some time today to tell God what you’re thankful for and what you delight in. Be specific. Then tell him what you need and stop worrying about it. I guarantee you’ll feel happier when you do!
Think It Over
Think about the following:
- Why do you think gratitude is so important to our happiness?
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There’s a new episode of Battle Drill Devotional every Monday through Friday.
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This Week’s Battle Drill Devotionals
- Monday 28 August – Happiness Begins with Gratitude: What Happens When People are Delighted
- Tuesday 29 August – Happy Memories Help You Remember the Important Things in Life
- Wednesday 30 August – Happy and Contented With Life and All God Gives Us
- Thursday 31 August – Does God Want Us to be Happy?
- Friday 1 September – How Much Stuff Do You Need to be Happy?
Related Links
Happiness Begins with Gratitude FAQ
How does gratitude lead to happiness?
Gratitude helps us experience more positive emotions. We enjoy good experiences. Gratitude makes us more resilient, because difficult circumstances can be seen as setbacks in an otherwise happy life. And gratitude helps build strong relationships – other people are grateful for your gratitude!
Can happiness be spread by being grateful?
Yes! As you show gratitude to others, it shows them you appreciate them, and increases their self-worth. Thanking people grows humility in your life, and shows you think of others as much as yourself.
What is the difference between gratitude and happiness?
Gratitude is about appreciating and being thankful for the good things in your life. Many people believe happy people are more grateful, but it is clear it is really the other way round: gratitude is the fastest way to enduring happiness.
Is happiness the simplest form of gratitude?
Certainly, being happy around other people and being satisfied with what we have is one of the most simple ways of showing gratitude.
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