Happy

Welcome friends to another week. Would you be happy living on the street? Sadly, many homeless people live outside in bad weather. They have nothing more than a sleeping bag, tent, food (maybe), and a backpack. It is not pleasant; the thought of uncertainty is present each moment of the day. Some may not smile but are always happy to talk with anyone listening. Sadly, prayer may not be at the top of the list.

In our society, our sense of happiness may come from having a place to live, food on the table, a closet filled with clothes, transportation, money, and a job. Caring people, maybe pets are bonuses. Did you know the government estimates that 580,466 people experienced homelessness in January 2020? Do these individuals trust in their circumstances or God? I don't know. Over the past months, the few homeless people I have spoken with trusted their circumstances and were not optimistic.

According to the dictionary, happy means content, cheerful, merry, joyful, lucky, optimistic. There are 26 characteristics of happy people. Some are smiling, self-confidence, kindness, the ability to change, humor, optimism, curiosity, non-demanding, and the ability to accept uncertainty. This list seems like a tall order for someone who has nothing but a suitcase or backpack. https://www.constructionrehabplan.com/new-blog/26-characteristics-of-truly-happy-people

We often do not think about the homeless being content as our lives are stable for the most part. That said, could a person still be happy with nothing? Most of us have a roof over our heads, cable, internet, phones, a little money, and transportation of some sort. Happiness is a state of being which does not always depend on material things. People who seemingly do not have anything sometimes seem the happiest. Why? Once we take stock of our lives, we realize happiness is not about money and things as society teaches. It is about peace, knowing Christ is in our corner, and surrendering to his will.

Praying brings peace; it establishes two-way communication between God and us. Christ is always available to listen. He wants to know when we are down and out. (Yes, he already knows, however, he wants us to talk with him.) Praying does not mean he will immediately respond- he will not rush. Nor does it mean it will be what we expect when he answers. It does mean we are happiest when we believe, pray, trust, and read his word, no matter our circumstances. Our Savior knows best. Life is not about things but our hope in Christ and communication with him. I want to leave you with this verse:

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7.

Peace is only a moment away. I hope this blog helps those struggling to pray and find peace. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at Dorothy@Savedheartfaith.com or dburrell38@yahoo.com. Thank you for your prayers.

God bless,

Dorothy

A man praying