We've all watched the movie, maybe we've read a self-help book on how to be happy or possibly when you think of being happy you just think of Pharrell Williams' song.

It seems easy to be happy when we are on Summer holidays, looking back over a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. But how can we be happy all the time? How can we get this year started in a positive way?

Mark Williamson in his article in the Guardian said, "We’re constantly bombarded with messages about what makes for a good life. Advertisers tell us it comes from owning and consuming their products. The media associate it with wealth, beauty or fame. And politicians claim that nothing matters more than growing the economy. But do any of these things really bring lasting happiness?"

Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Any happy person will tell you that happiness is a choice. Each day we wake up, we decide to be happy or unhappy. With all the uncertainty in the world, or even in your day, YOU are in charge of your mind. Try to focus on the positive, be grateful for what you do have and find different ways to bounce back.

Psa 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

God is the key to our happiness on earth. We can't blame others for our unhappiness. We can't get happy by purchasing things. We can't get happy by having a seemly perfect life. As Jim Carrey said, "I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer".

Some tips for happiness?

Eph 3:12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.

Prov 15:13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.

1. Forgive more.

2. Don't worry about things you can't control.

3. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

4. Do meaningful things with your life.

5. Feel part of something bigger.

For more practical ideas read this article.

"All special offers quoted are limited and subject to availability. The terms and conditions compiled in this document are subject to change without notice. It is the responsibility of the any person seeking to rely on the information by visiting our website or by contacting our phone number. "

How many times have we heard this spiel following an advertisement?

Any special offer has terms and conditions. If you don't check these, you may get caught out by something you weren't aware of. God has a special offer for all of us. Our God has his own terms and conditions in his official documents. However, there is no misleading information or limiting of availability. God's special offer is open to anyone who wants it.

Ex 3 is all about Moses coming to meet God. It is the story of the burning bush. When Moses approaches the bush, he learns about God's terms and conditions for freeing his people from slavery. He was freeing Israel because he wanted to.

God didn't have to forgive our sins. He wants to!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

God is a god of promises. Even during hard times, we can rely on him to fulfil his promises. He isn’t going to have a ‘get out clause’ or let us down at the end. John makes his promise clear, ‘whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life’.

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (Num 23:19)

We’ve all been let down by people before, politicians who lie, family that promises and forgets and friends who use words but not actions. Thankfully, our salvation is based on God's promises. It is not based on whether we feel 'saved' or not. Sometimes we feel unworthy, unholy….like God wouldn’t want us as our children, or that his promises wouldn’t apply to me because I am such a sinner. Martin Luther wrote a lovely poem on this:

“Feelings come and feelings go,

And feelings are deceiving;

My warrant is the Word of God--

Naught else is worth believing.

Though all my heart should feel condemned

For want of some sweet token,

There is One greater than my heart

Whose Word cannot be broken.

I'll trust in God's unchanging Word

Till soul and body sever,

For, though all things shall pass away,

HIS WORD SHALL STAND FOREVER!”

We might not feel we deserve God’s love or the eternal life he promises, but thankfully it is not up to us. His terms and conditions ask us to believe in Him and his son and He will give us life.

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