Do you still remember what your laugh sound like? It is not impossible you have forgotten how it feels when you laugh because you have thought, or possibly concluded that there is no use for laughter, as such you have placed your laughter on suspension mode. You may have also wondered, ‘Why should I be happy when there is nothing exciting happening around me? Although our airwaves may be saturated with bad news: news of inflation, poverty, joblessness, terrorism, political turmoil, economic recession, uncertainties, and death. Yet, if we always remember that it could have been worst, we would be grateful, and see plenty more reasons to be cheerful.

The fact that you are surrounded with hardship does not mean there are no good things happening around you. It is a fact that our thinking is driven by what we choose to think about and how we choose to view our life. There will always be hard times, but in the midst of all our difficulties, there abounds myriads of opportunities. The question is, what do you see? What you see or think about can affect your view about life, and consequently determine your happiness.

On the other hand, your reason for sadness may be because you are so busy being angry at people, situation, or your circumstances that you forget that a cheerful heart is a good medicine (Proverbs 17:22). Sure, you can be healthier when you chose to be happy in spite of the unpalatable happenings around you. Some people are so religious that they consider been cheerful as being unserious, forgetting that God is full of joy, and he wants us to be strengthened by his joy. Nehemiah admonished the people saying, “…Don’t feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!…The Levites calmed the people, “Quiet now. This is a Holy day. Don’t be upset.” Nehemiah 8:10-11.

Oscar Wilde noted, “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” Indeed, we all go through challenges, and at various degrees too. But while some gets better by pains, and are poised to succeed; others get plunged into doubts, defeats, desperation and hopelessness, and remain in the downside of life. So, instead of crying over the scars, or be mad over the situation around you, set your gaze upon the unfailing and all-sufficient God. Your help comes from Him (Psalm 124). He will give you strength for the journey. My friend, get over the hurtful feelings, and praise God because it could have been worst! You look good when you smile. Raise the roof, celebrate your beautiful life, and be thankful in all things. God is working in you, so smile! You are winning! Yes, we are winning!

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