Quote Contemplations

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” - Marcus Aurelius *   

            What is happiness? Happiness has many philosophical aspects to it, but generally speaking it is feeling content with your overall life. It is also experiencing more positive emotions than negative ones. And it can stem from your minimizing chronic stress, anxiety, or sadness. Can we do this on our own. My answer to that is that while it may be possible to achieve a certain level of happiness on our own, it appears to be temporal in nature. Belief in Almighty God can help you in achieving a more permanent state of happiness based on who God is, who you are in Him, and what Christ achieved on our behalf. That should not only flood you with happiness, but gratitude as well.

            I dare say you would be far more likely to achieve happiness and remain happy if you devote your thoughts to that which is positive and uplifting. This can be achieved thru reading the Word of God, fellowshipping with like-minded believers, and hearing the Word preached. That’s a great starting point. Cultivating a personal relationship with our Lord can become difficult, but that’s on us, because God is in the business of providing, and sustaining us. We are the ones that are making it difficult by straining at the leash like an unruly dog. We want things to go the way we think they should. That’s simply spiritual immaturity. It takes time, patience and determination to reach the level of faith and trust God is attempting to lead you to. 

            In the end, all your thoughts are the result of what you feed into your mind. Godly input results in Godly output. Negativism breeds doubt, fear, and a general uneasiness, all things that bring about an unhappy disposition. So focus on feeding your mind that which is pleasing to the Lord and you will become content and the resulting happiness will be rooted in the Words of Life. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

*Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121 A.D. – 180 A.D.) was Roman emperor from 161 to 180 and a Stoic philosopher.

Note: Stoicism - It is a practical philosophy centered on cultivating virtue as the only true good and the path to a flourishing, meaningful life marked by inner peace and resilience.