photo by blondinrikard
For the last month, we’ve talked about what makes us happier. Because I believe happiness can be an act of worship. We’ve talked about some big, spiritual concepts and some small, everyday changes that can help us thrive because “the Lord delights in the well-being of his servant” {Ps. 35:27}.
As we wind down this series, I wanted to share some other resources that have been helpful to me in this journey of happiness. Some of these books are specifically about happiness while others helped me learn new habits and gain insights that contributed to my happiness. Also, some are from a Christian perspective and some are not but when I look at the research the authors use to make their points, I see God’s hands and ways in all of them.
10 Books that Will Help You Be Happier
Find Your Strongest Life: What the Smartest and Most Successful Women Do Differently by Marcus Buckingham
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas {This book will help you discover how you’re created to feel close to God}
Every Body Matters: Strengthening Your Body to Strengthen Your Soul by Gary Thomas
Pure Pleasure: Why Do Christians Feel So Bad About Feeling Good? by Gary Thomas
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending by Elizabeth Dunn
Wired for Joy: Laurel Mellin
Happy Women Live Better by Valorie Burton
Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald
* All of these books are available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble
The books I write are all intended to help women thrive so you can check those out too.
Years ago I remember asking God, “Why is it such a battle to keep my joy?” And it seemed he brought this verse to mind: “The joy of the Lord is your strength” {Neh. 8:10}. I realized at that moment when the enemy is going after my joy, he is really going after my power and strength in the Kingdom. Yes, there are some differences between joy and happiness but in this fallen world I think we’re wise to fight for them both in every way we can. “May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful” {Ps. 68:3}.
Do everything you can to thrive–spiritually, emotionally, mentally, socially and physically. Commit to growing in your happiness. Over and over again, research shows happy people are not more selfish. Instead they’re more likely to help others and make an impact with their lives. Yes, we will all go through hard seasons and it’s okay to feel grief or shed tears. Those are holy things too. Just remember God doesn’t want you to live a miserable life. He wants you to thrive–just as any parent who loves his child would. If you are stuck in misery, that is not God’s will for you. But to move forward, you’ll have to be very proactive and persevere in finding solutions. Depression is real and if you truly feel stuck, talk to a counselor or doctor as soon as you can. There are no quick fixes but as someone who has recovered from anxiety and depression, over time things can get much, much better.
Let’s learn to live to the full, friends. Bit by bit. Day by day. Until we’re in heaven and we live happily ever after.
XOXO
p.s. I was scared silly to write about happiness this month because it’s a bit of a taboo topic. So if you’re still here, thank you for sticking with me. {Smooch}
