Happiness

[Elizabeth F]

Does God want us to be happy? I haven't laughed in over 6 years due to sickness (in mind and body);loss of many loved ones and just one problem after the other which has worn me down. Now my beloved sister,and carer, Margaret is really unwell. It just feels like God doesn't want me to be happy. I am tired of crying . Father God I come to you worn out from all the many trials over the past six years and have to confess I wonder whether I will ever laugh again? Yet my hope is in you who are the source of my joy and I ask you to please turn sorrow into joy; sickness into health; darkness into light and tears of sorrow into tears of laughter. Please Father as we move nearer to a New Year please let me and Margaret have a new beginning and leave behind all the sadness and cares of the past. Heal us Lord and we will be healed. Restore the years the locusts have eaten. Give us testimonies which will glorify you and lift up the name of Jesus Make haste to help us and everyone on this forum crying out to you for themselves or loved ones both human and animals. In Jesus' name Amen

 

[Articles]

Elizabeth, we understand that you've been going through a prolonged period of hardship, and it's natural to feel overwhelmed and question whether God wants us to be happy. First, let's address your question with scripture. The WEB tells us:

"Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)

"A thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly." (John 10:10)

God does want us to have joy and abundant life, but it's important to understand that happiness is a fleeting emotion based on circumstances, while joy is a steady state of contentment and hope based on our faith in Jesus.

We're glad to hear you have confessed your hope in God who is the source of your joy. Your request for God's intervention is exactly the right attitude in this acknowledgement of Your Heavenly Father.

You wonder whether you will ever laugh again. Jesus told the mourning people in Matthew 5:3-4 (WEB) "Blessed are the poor in spirit, God’s Kingdom is theirs.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." It's okay, actually healthy, to mourn the trials over the past six years, losses and individual problems. But then we realize in our mourning, Jesus will comfort us.

You have been through a great deal of challenges, and a verse that speaks into this situation would be Luke 6:21 (WEB) "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh." This is God's will for Elizabeth and Margaret because Elizabeth is looking to God to to turn sorrow into laughter and sickness into health.

Then Isaiah 61:3 (WEB) tells us God's will for Israel but we know it is the same promise for us today; it says "to appoint to those who mourn in Zion—to give to them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh, that he may be glorified." God will remove our grief and guilt, replacing our sorrow with joy in Jesus.

Healing is certainly God's plan for His children. Look at the following encouragement from the WEB in Ezekiel 34:15-17, "I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will cause them to lie down,” says the Lord Yahweh. “I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick:

Regrettably, we live in a fallen world where sickness and trials are a reality. But God promises us in Romans 8:28 (WEB), "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." God can turn even the most painful experiences into something beautiful, to brings us closer to Him. Even in the most difficult of times, God wants us to know He is with us in Jesus as the Living Savior who longs to save us.

You didn't say which New Year you were referring to but that is a very hopeful statement that Margaret and your year will be a new beginning that does not contemplate remembering the pasts years but only looking to the hope of joy in Jesus.

Now let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We lift up Elizabeth and Margaret to you, asking for your healing touch on their minds, bodies, and spirits. We pray that you turn their sorrow into joy, their sickness into health, and their darkness into light. Help them to find strength and laughter again, even in the midst of trials.

Father, we ask for a new beginning for them as they move towards a new year. Restore the years that the locusts have eaten, and give them testimonies that will glorify your name and lift up the name of Jesus.

The challenges they've faced can be so overwhelming and wrestling against the flesh, we will take them up into the loving arms of Jesus and look to God to grant us all of His Holy Spirit. If we do not know this is true, we can ask and keep on seeking and keep on knocking. Jesus said "Don't be afraid, only believe." (Luke 8:50 WEB) If others see this promise in them, they too will come to know His salvation and saving grace.

Thank you for your promise to hear us when we pray in the name of Jesus. We claim your promise in Romans 10:13 (WEB), "For whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved."

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

 

[hostadmin]

Dear Elizabeth,

We're so sorry to hear about the struggles you and Margaret have been going through. It's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed and question why happiness seems elusive. But remember, God's plan for us is abundant life (John 10:10), and even in our toughest times, He's right there with us.

We love how you're turning to God, asking Him to turn your sorrow into joy, sickness into health, and darkness into light. That's exactly what He wants to do! He promises in Psalm 147:3, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." He's not distant or uncaring; He's a God of comfort and healing.

As we approach a new year, let's pray that God will indeed give you and Margaret a new beginning. Let's ask Him to restore the years that the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25), and to fill your lives with His joy and peace.

Let's also pray for strength and laughter to return. Even in the midst of trials, God wants us to find joy in Him (Philippians 4:7). And remember, Jesus is always with you, ready to comfort and strengthen you (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

We're here for you, Elizabeth. Let's keep praying together, trusting that our God is faithful and will see you through.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

 

[EnricoLange]

Praying in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Elizabeth F]

Praying in Jesus Name. Amen.

Many thanks

 

[Windwold]

May God protect, heal, and bless you and your sister, praying for you both in Jesus'name, Amen

 

[Elizabeth F]

May God protect, heal, and bless you and your sister, praying for you both in Jesus'name, Amen

Many thanks

 

[usha rani]

Praying for this in Jesus Name.

 

[Cinu]

Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)


sermons

 

[hostadmin]

We continue to hold you and Margaret up in prayer, dear friend. We are truly grateful that you have allowed us to stand in agreement with you before our Heavenly Father. If God has already turned your sorrow into joy and answered your prayers, we would be blessed to hear your praise report. Your testimony will encourage and strengthen our faith.

If you are still waiting for God's healing touch, we want to assure you that we are still here, praying with you and for you. We ask that you update us with a new request, so we can continue to lift you both up in prayer. Remember, God's timing is perfect, and He hears every single one of your prayers.

As we move closer to a new year, let's claim God's promises together. He can heal, restore, and give you testimonies that will bring glory to His name. We pray that He makes haste to help you, Margaret, and everyone on this forum who is crying out to Him. We bless you in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.