22. Ten Little Rules for Happiness

1.Be joyful in all things. Seek joy from little things throughout your day. Notice them and be grateful.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

2. Read the Bible every day and meditate, throughout the day, on one or two verses or principles that stand out to you. Try to live them out and let the Bible be a transformative tool for your life, as it should be. Let the Holy Spirit use it to work within you, renewing your mind every day.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2

3. Pray without ceasing. In every conversation, for wisdom in what to say. In every task, for the ability to carry it out to the best of your ability and for God’s glory. In every peaceful moment, giving praise and thanks to your heavenly Father for His goodness in your life.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

4. Thanksgiving to God in all things is so challenging but so transformative for ones mindset. If it doesn’t come naturally, start by praising and thanking God for 5 things in your day, before heading to sleep.

5. When people are hurtful towards you, try to let it be like water off a duck’s back. As hard as that is! Their issues are not your issues. Do not allow them to impact negatively on your emotions. Focus on worshiping and praising God, in your head. Run into His arms. Ask Him to guide you in your responses.

Remember, your worth lies in Him. Your identity lies in Him. Quietly, enjoy your life and your surroundings and your day. Be of gentle nature. Do not depend on approval from others. Depend only on God for peace, love, guidance, companionship, affirmation, and comfort. He is a reliable and never-failing source of comfort.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

6. Forgive, forgive, forgive. Always be in a state of forgiveness. For little things as well bigger things. A comment here. A look there. Let it go. Practice grace, mercy, and compassion. People have their own challenges in life they are going through. Others may simply be unkind. You can be discerning and wise to people’s characters. You can decide who in your life is a healthy addition and who brings toxicity and strife. Be wise in deciding who you can be vulnerable with and who to let into your inner circle. GUARD YOUR HEART.

The people around us have great influence and impact on our well being. Be it for good or for bad. Constantly pray peace and blessings over the people that hurt you.

“Lord, pour out your peace and blessings over X and cover them with the blood of Jesus”

Guard your heart. And also, forgive. It will set you free from those people and the chains of anger and hurt will be gone.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31‭-‬32

7. However. Do not allow people to take advantage of you. Kindness is NOT weakness. Gentleness is NOT weakness. This cannot be stated enough. Why do we tend to equate these qualities to weakness?! This world is a confused place.

Always be firm in your boundaries and decisions. Unless you realise you need to change – then do so humbly.

Be firm, whilst also kind and gracious. You do not need to please everyone. Everyone does not need to like you. And if you are only liked when you are dancing to someone’s tune, was it ever true friendship anyway? Have confidence in yourself and who you are (a child of Christ, a son/daughter of the Most High).

Be wise, discerning, and gracious. Jesus didn’t people please. He had a lot of enemies and people who disliked him. Did he let this intimidate him? No. He carried on true to himself and did not sway from his boundaries and convictions.

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord , and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
Psalm 1:1‭-‬3

8. ALWAYS be gentle to yourself. Treat yourself with love and kindness. If you don’t, who will?

For no one ever hated his own body, but [instead] he nourishes and protects and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,
Ephesians 5:29

9. SEEK PEACE ALWAYS.

Peace of mind and peace of spirit. That means not indulging in anger and upset. That means trying to live righteously in all contexts. That means nipping negativity in the bud. That means not getting involved in gossip or arguments or provocative conversations. That means praying often and spending time with God.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

10. Remember this truth, in all things.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Love,

Abbie x