Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

It’s been said, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond.” I know how frustrating it is trying to control the 10%. We aren’t happy unless everything goes our way, everybody treats us right, and all our plans work out. That’s the wrong approach. We can’t control what other people do. All we can control is our response—that’s where the power lies, not in trying to control everybody and everything. Daniel 2:21 says, “God controls the course of world events; He removes kings and sets up other kings and gives wisdom to the wise.” This means all thrones, dominions, powers, and positions; God’s name stands above them all. He is the Alpha and Omega. He knew the end from the beginning, and nothing comes as a surprise to Him.

Before we get out of bed, we must decide not to get upset, no matter what happens or comes our way. No matter what somebody says, we’re not going to be offended. No matter what interruption or delay occurs, we won’t be sour. The key is to decide ahead of time. Then, when life happens or when your plans don’t work out, it’s no big deal. You’ve already decided, “This is the day the Lord has made, and you’ll rejoice and be glad in it.” But you can’t wait till you’re in the heat of the battle. That’s too late. You’ve got to decide ahead of time. Then, when things come against you, you’re prepared. Your mind is already made up. But too often, we think, “God, if you’d just change these people, change these circumstances, then I could be happy.” If your happiness is contingent upon anything, you’ll never truly be happy.

You have the power to be happy where you are. Jesus said in John 16:22: “No man can take your joy.” That means other people cannot make you unhappy. No circumstance can force you to get upset. Nothing can take your joy. You have to give it away. You’re in complete control of your happiness.

When someone is rude, they want your joy. Somebody cuts you off in traffic, “Let me have your joy.” Somebody ignores you or leaves you out, “Give me your joy.” You have a choice. You can give it to them, go around upset, frustrated, offended, or make a much better decision and say, “Not today, Satan.” I’m not going to get upset because you were rude. I won’t be offended because you didn’t speak to me. I won’t be frustrated because you cut me off in traffic. I’ve already decided, “I will live this day happy. I’ll give you mercy. I’ll give you grace. I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. But one thing I will not give you is my joy.”

Some people wonder why they’re not happy. They give away joy when they cannot find their car keys, hear they must work late, or find out somebody is talking about them. It’s not their circumstances that keep them from being happy; it’s the fact that they keep giving away their joy. Life is way too short to let these interruptions and irritations keep us from being happy. We’re never going to get away from them. You can’t just pray them away. It’s a part of life.

It’s very freeing when you learn this principle: “I don’t have to give away my joy. There’s nothing people can say, nothing they can do. No circumstance can keep me from living this day happy.” Now, take inventory of your life. What are you allowing to upset you? What’s causing you stress? Identify the issue and then decide to change your approach. Often, it’s a small thing that we make a big deal about.

Jesus said in John 14:27: “Stop allowing yourself to be upset and agitated.” Notice, it’s a choice. We all have to deal with delays, inconveniences, and people who are hard to get along with. People can be rude, inconsiderate, and annoying—sometimes, it’s not a stranger but somebody closer to you.

Psalms 94:13 says, “God has given us the power to remain calm in times of adversity.” This means, “The people may not change. The circumstances may not change, but we have the power to stay calm. We don’t have to give away your joy.”

In 2 Timothy 4:5, Paul told Timothy, “Stay calm, cool, and steady.” Some of you are letting things upset you too quickly—elections, traffic, weather, grumpy salespeople, inconsiderate coworkers, or family members who talk down to you. Draw the line in the sand and say, “That’s it; this is a new day. I’m not giving away my joy anymore. I’m going to stay calm, cool, and steady.”

Most people we encounter are like garbage trucks. They go around full of frustration, resentment, and anger. As their garbage piles up, they need some place to dump it, and sometimes they’ll dump it on you. You can’t take it personally – it has nothing to do with you. Just smile, wave, and wish them well.

If somebody dumps a load on you, don’t get upset. If you make that mistake, you’ll take on their garbage and likely dump it on somebody else. People often dump poison, anger, resentment, and criticism on others. We can’t stop them from dumping it, but if we keep our lid on tight, it doesn’t have to affect us.

When somebody dumps a load on you, don’t take it personally. It’s not about you – it’s about all the trash they’ve accumulated, all the issues they’re not dealing with – you just happen to be the one they dumped it on. Don’t let it bother you. Jesus said, “Happy are the meek; they will inherit the kingdom of God.” When we hear the word “meek,” we often think it means weak. Meekness is not weakness; it’s strength under control. It’s like a wild horse that’s been tamed. The horse is as strong and powerful; he can run just as fast, but now you can ride him.

When you’re a meek person, you don’t try to argue with people or prove to them who you are. If somebody is rude to you, you could be rude back to them, but your strength is under control. When you’re meek, you don’t let things bother you. You don’t respond to every critic or get drawn into battles that don’t matter. You have the power and the ability; you could easily show them what you’re made of, but your strength is under control.

Throughout life, there will always be something or someone that will try to take our joy. Don’t allow the same people and the exact circumstances to frustrate you for the next twenty years. Change your approach. What’s upsetting you now doesn’t have to upset you anymore. Keep your lid on. Stay calm, relaxed, and steady. The next time you’re tempted to get upset, ask yourself: “Is this worth me giving up my joy over? Is this a hill worth dying on?” If you live each day happy and full of joy, God promises you’ll be strong, have better relationships, and accomplish more. I hope this speaks to you, and I pray you have a blessed day!