I Think Myself Happy

"I think myself happy..." Acts 26:2 KJV

Backstory:

I have great admiration for Paul the apostle. He went through so much in his life. First he went against Christ with determination and tried to destroy all his followers, afterwards Paul found Christ on the road to Damascus and his life was changed forever! He became a new creature... so much that he EVEN changed his name from Saul to Paul. He was a completely different person. (Acts 9:1, 2 Cor. 5:17) After he was saved, he served the Lord everywhere he could and endured many things for the cause of sharing the gospel. (2 Cor. 11:23-29) He was the man who said: "for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

Paul made this statement "I think myself happy" to King Agrippa toward the end of his life. He was happy that he could share with those in authority the gospel and his life's testimony.

I'm going to break up the statement and really try to understand the whole picture behind it.

I THINK:

"I think myself happy..." isn't a statement I thought I'd see in God's word, so it took me by surprise. 

What are your thoughts focused on? Is it good things? "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil. 4:8

Often times, we worry about things.. like money and food. But God tells us not to worry. He will provide for us. (Matt. 6:31-34)

You can only think of a few things at a time, keep your thoughts on the best things! Let God worry about the rest! Remember that your thoughts when spoken share what's inside your heart. They share your testimony.

MYSELF:

It was a choice Paul made. He chose to be happy and to be content. He realized that it was up to him. We, too, have a choice. We can pick to be unhappy with ourselves, others, our circumstances, and our lives. We can chose to be discontent with our material possessions and with abundant treasures.. like our family and friends.

Or we can chose to be happy and content. It's our choice. It's our decision.

HAPPY:

Life is short. People are precious. We tend to be more concerned about a clean house, a great income, personal pleasures, and material gain, than we do about spending time with other people. 

Did you spend a few minutes today hugging your child? 
Did you spend a few minutes talking and cuddling with your spouse? 
Did you listening to your child as they babbled away? 
Did you answer your mom's call and spend a few minutes chatting with her? 
Did you listen as your sister or brother in Christ shared a struggle with you? 
Did you pray for them? 
Did you share a smile with the barista attendant or the grocery worker? 
Did you brighten someone's day?

Being happy encourages the heart of those around us. It brightens the home and creates "sunlight in a dark place". It draws others close to us. Even if the house is a disaster or you are going through challenges or trials... if you, your husband, and the kids are happy and content, remember life is good. Be merry. (Prov. 17:22, Ecc. 8:15)