Happiness

When I looked at the strategies recommended to increase happiness I was surprised at two things. The first was how important the pen was. Writing down one's thoughts and feelings, or journalling as it called, has definite benefits. Secondly, it was gratifying to see just how Biblical so many of the research findings are.

The first recommendation is to cultivate the gratitude attitude. Or, as one Californian university, said: Count your blessings. To use the coffee pot story again: go outside into the cold for a while and when you return you will begin to appreciate all those things you take for granted - a roof over your head, your Mum's roast dinners, friends and neighbours in the street and especially in church, and all those things that make life comfortable. But don't just think about them. Write them down - at least three of them at the end of each day

Next, try "affectionate writing". Think of a person who has been a great blessing or help to you, then write a short sincere letter to that person expressing just how you appreciate his or her actions.

"It is better to give than to receive". Many experiments have been done where groups were either instructed to spent an amount of money either on themselves or on others. Those who gave to others had higher levels of happiness that those who acted more selfishly.

Lastly, those people who believe and pray are consistent happier than those that don't. But it was noticed that those who prayed for themselves were less contented and happy than those who prayed for others.

Sometimes the researchers have noticed significant improvements in health and happiness in those who took part.

There is so much in the bible about thankfulness and praise. One word used in the NT for thankfulness, eucharisteo, is used about forty times. Ingratitude to God and to others, is totally unchristian. See Luke 17:11-19.