How can we live lives of true gladness; of real happiness, joy, and optimism? I think I can reduce it down to one word: attitude. God will not make us glad, happy, or joyful. Though joy (a deep, abiding peace) is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), it too can be sabotaged because, like happiness, joy depends on the conscious choice we make in response to our circumstances.
That is a life lesson Abraham Lincoln learned, summed up in his oft-quoted words: “Most folks are about as happy as they choose to be.”
I had a seminary professor who put it like this: “Your attitude will determine your altitude!”
That is good, sound Biblical theology that results in mental health — if applied! By the way, it’s been said that one in every four Americans is mentally imbalanced. Ann Landers responded to that by saying: “Think of your three closest friends. If they seem okay, you’re the one!”
In reading through the Psalms, I’ve noticed that so often the phrase “I will…” accompanies a hoped-for, indeed an expected victory!
For instance, the New International Version uses the phrase “I will” 169 times in the psalms, most of the time in reference to a choice made by believers with a confident expectation that God will intervene. Following are a few examples:
- “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High” Psalm 7:17.
- “I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High” Psalm 9:1-2.
- “I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken” Psalm 16:7-8.
- “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies” Psalm 118:6-7.
Seems good ol’ Sherriff John was right when he encouraged us as kids to: “…Laugh and be happy with a merry melody. A song will make a hat rack look like a Christmas tree. Get rid of worry in a hurry, chase the blues away. Just laugh and be happy all the live long day!”