RECIPE FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR

How many times in the last week have you heard or said, “Happy New Year?” Is such a thing possible? I reminded of the elderly gentleman who saw a friend in town. As they concluded the conversation the friend said, “Have a good day.” The elderly man replied, “God made every day good, it’s what we put in them that counts.” I believe it is God’s will for us to have a happy new year and I believe the following ingredients will help.

Holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16 – “(B)ut as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” Holy is defined as separated to God, sacred, pure.

Attend. Hebrews 10:25 – “(N)ot forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” If we will be faithful in attendance our prospects for happiness will greatly increase.

Pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “(P)ray without ceasing.” Jesus was a man of prayer and we need to be such as well.

Patient. Vine defines this as “to be long-tempered.” Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). One who is quick-tempered and always angry isn’t likely to be happy.

Yield. “Now do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the Lord; and enter His sanctuary, which He has sanctified forever, and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of His wrath may turn away from you” (2 Chronicles 30:8).

Needy. Be compassionate and helpful to those in need. It has been said that if you want to make yourself feel better, do something kind for someone else. Proverbs 28:27 – “He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses”.

Edify. We live in a self-centered world. Everybody wants to know what can you do for me. One of the greatest things we can do as Christians is to build up and encourage one another. Romans 14:19 – “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.”

Work. Whether physical or spiritual, labor is on the road to happiness. Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”

Yearn. Have an overwhelming desire for the things of God. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

Eternity. Live everyday with eternity in mind. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

Assurance. 1 John 5:13 – “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” We do not have to doubt, we can know.

Rely upon God. We cannot save ourselves; rely upon God. We cannot know all the answers; rely upon God. Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
--Lamar