Daily Thought for Wednesday, July 6th

July 6, 2011

Pursuit of Happiness

Today’s Thought:

“The only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose.” – William Cowper

Today’s Quote:

“True happiness is not found in any other reward than that of being united with God.” – Thomas Merton

Today’s Question

Did you know that: “The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for?” – Joseph Addison

Today’s Bible Verses:            Philippians 4:8-13

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.  But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.    

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Happiness depends on wisdom.” –  Sophocles

“To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;…

…The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – The Bible (Proverbs 1:2 & 7)

What is happiness and how do we find it?

According to Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The happiest man is he who learns from nature the lesson of worship.”

Robert F. Kennedy expressed it this way: “Your happiest while you’re making the greatest contribution.”

While Booker T. Washington said it like this:  “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”

And Ruth Benedict put it this way: “The happiest excitement in life is to be convinced that one is fighting for all one is worth on behalf of some clearly seen and deeply felt good, and against some greatly scorned evil.”

While I think happiness is this:

“Happiness is to know the Saviour,
Living a life within His favour,
Having a change in my behaviour,
Happiness is the Lord.

Happiness is to be forgiven,
Living a life that's worth the livin',
Taking a try that leads to Heaven,
Happiness is the Lord.”  - Ira F. Stamphill (lyrics from  ‘Happiness Is The Lord’)

Today’s Prayer:

Father, you give me hope, joy, peace, love, forgiveness and so much more.  You are my true source of happiness and may I live so as to exude, express and share that happiness with others.