Can You Think Yourself Happy?

ZChurch message for June 12, 2021 (see full service at https://youtu.be/PqlYNPmezII)

Acts 26:2 I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews.

We can make ourselves miserable or happy with our thoughts and words.

You can’t break commandments/imperatives/orders, and be happy about it.

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.

Count it all joy by rejoicing and praising God. This is not just a suggestion, it is a commandment!

We bring the sacrifice of God worshipping God with the fruit of our lips.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy– meditate on these things.

Think about good things. Don’t think about lies or dishonorable things or people, don’t think about unfairness or injustices.

Don’t think about carnal or faulty thoughts. See people in the best light. Don’t think about displeasing, ugly thoughts. Don’t think about ill omens or false assumptions. Don’t complain inwardly or outwardly. Think yourself happy! Keep your eyes on the prize, the glory!

Psalm 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

Bad thinking and talking can rob us of courage. We have to command ourselves. Start talking good stuff. Read the promises aloud!

Sing in the spirit and praise God! You can’t go wrong singing in the Spirit and praying in the Spirit. Praise and worship is the highest expression of faith.

Acts 16:22-28 Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. 23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners heard them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” 29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Your way of escape is right under your nose! Praise God when you don’t feel like it!

When your faith is working, you get happy, so get happy now!

People make it worse by blaming others. The devil is the accuser of the brethren, who is under your feet.

We have to praise God in the storm! Proactively praise God! We praise and thank God ahead of time for the victory.

Prepare yourself for heaven by praising God now.

We were created to praise God!

Release your faith by praise

Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.