Okay. I know there are times when life is difficult. I am not blind. For you who are going through dark valleys, I am truly sorry and pray you have lighter days around the bend.

But today, let’s focus on being happy or at least on what to do when we feel happy. Hear this advice. “Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise” (James 5:13b). Go ahead, sing along with Christian radio, serenade the Lord from your shower, or perhaps, wherever you are, belt out a praise song in your mind. No one will be the wiser, except you can’t help but smile! 😉

Happiness is contagious. Being around happy people makes us feel better. Even if we are having a bad day, we don’t need to spread gloom. Choose to smile! That gesture alone may bring happiness to someone else.

Happiness is a choice. We decide how we will respond to people and situations. We don’t have to focus on the negative. Can we find good to help bring balance? Or release a burden to the Lord in prayer?

There are good things we can do to increase our happiness. Today, I sorted the piles on my desk and wiped off the dust. (Imagine my smile.)

Finally, hear Solomon preach. “Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor . . . Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20).

Look how you’ve been blessed and be happy! And, smile!