7 Secrets to a Happy Heart
Have you ever seen the movie Pollyanna? Child actress Hayley Mills starred as the orphaned daughter of missionaries who becomes the ward of her rich, embittered aunt. Pollyanna's infectious habit of being thankful transforms the crabby aunt, the crochety household staff, and the whole town!
These days, people use the label "Pollyanna" to suggest someone childishly naive in her ability to look on the bright side. But being happy doesn't require us to turn a blind eye to troubles such as gangs and crime and Columbine. Neither does it mean we chant shallow platitudes such as "Don't worry, be happy."
Like most attributes we long for (peace, patience, goodness), a happy heart takes root in the discipline of giving thanks. It's the secret weapon of the joyous Christian! But what is it about gratitude that creates a happy heart?
Happy in the Lord
Of course I was madly in love with my husband, David, when we got engaged. But that's nothing compared to the love I have for him now, after nearly 11 years of marriage. The difference? Gratitude! I'm thankful for the hundreds of times David's scrubbed the pots after dinner, for the times he's instantly forgiven my crabbiness, for the willing spirit he shows about helping my single-parent friend, for the amazing enthusiasm he brings to parenting our kids. As I think about the multitude of actions that prove David's love for me over the years, I'm filled with joy.
That's the way I feel in my relationship with God, too—and the reason I believe the Old Testament is loaded with verses that instruct God's people to "remember" his goodness, such as 1 Samuel 12:24: "Be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you."
Whenever I struggle to feel joyful, I choose to reflect on how God always meets my needs. Time after time, I've seen God put forgiving love in me right where angry resentment had been half an hour before, simply because I asked him to.
As my relationship with God grows, my love for him becomes more deeply entwined with my gratitude to him. The more I remember his goodness, the closer I feel to his comfort, peace, and presence.
Happy with Others
It's easy to recognize how integral gratitude is to experiencing joy in God. It's less obvious to see how it affects my other relationships—but it does!
When I'm tempted to keep score with others, or resent a friend who talks more about herself than listens to me, gratitude helps me remember how "full" my cup is—how well God's caring for me. Then I'm better able to reach out to my friend without becoming bitter.
I once had a coworker—a woman I considered a friend—who unintentionally dragged me into her troubles with management. The result was a difficult annual review for me, and the postponement of a promotion I'd expected. Preoccupied with her own misery, she didn't realize what she'd done, so I couldn't expect her to apologize. I had to forgive her, of course—as a believer, I don't have a choice! But it helped me to look around at my other positive work relationships, at my marriage and beautiful kids, and realize God had given me so much. I was able to consider that whole episode a bump on the road and let go of my resentment against her.
Originally published in: Today's Christian Woman, 2000, November/December, Vol. 22, Issue 6, Page 80
Related Topics:
forgiveness, God, love of, Gratitude, Joy, Relationships, Thankfulness
More from Annette LaPlaca:
Kyria.com | Books
Join the Kyria.com Community!
Become a member to have access to the following:
- Full access to hundreds of other articles for thoughtful, influential women
- The monthly Kyria digizine, each issue focusing on a spiritual discipline or theme
- 20 percent discount on all of the downloadable resources in the Kyria Store
downloadable guides
Prayer and Meditation
Cultivating a deeper relationship with God.
Ministering to Working Women
How your women's ministry can better meet the needs of women who work outside the home.Browse More Guides
back to top
Average User Rating:
Displaying 1–5 of 14 comments.
See all comments
Del
I would just like to say 'Yes' there is something about the love and grace of our Father that is just so amazing. He is always on time and having just read what i just did i really just want to say a big Thank you, especially for those who would take time to give back that which you have given to them. This read has been a blessing to me and i encourage you to continue. Wow!!! Amazing.
Brenda
Thank God for people like you,willing to be used by him.Especially in this time when gloom and discouragment is unavoidable around us.Sharing HAPPY thoughts is so uplifting.
Annie
Simply beautiful!
MILDRED SUSAN
I want to say thank you to God for providing people with special wisdom and heart to care for others. This article is incredibly inspiring and shows us how most times we look at the wrongs/bad happening in our lives and forget the to be thankful for the few good ones. Personally, I have learnt to thank God for every thing even the uninteresting experiences, by being thankful I have not deprived myself of having a happy heart. I live to enjoy myself everyday even amidst difficult situations and God has been with me. thank Annette for blessing and encouraging the hearts of many.
Jane yeanoh
Am really greateful with these article as am broken heart lady, it make me couragouse over my pains, i learn to lean on the Lord God where all courage comes from thanks God Bless U.
Rate & Comment on this article *