Philippians 4:8

The Spirit of Happiness
By Any Carmichael

"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."
- Phillipians 4:8

The Spirit of happiness is sheer miracle. It is the gift of the happy God, as Paul names our heavenly Father in writing to Timothy. It is the gift of the God of love. He pours it out of His own fountains, through unseen channels, as He poured it upon Paul and Silas before their feet were taken out of the stocks and their stripes washed; for "no created power of hell, or out of hell, can mar the music of our Lord Jesus, nor spoil our song of joy."

One of the great secrets of happiness is to think of happy things. There were many unhappy things in Philippi, things false, dishonorable, unjust, impure, hideous and of very bad report; the air of Philippi was darkened by these things. The Christians of that town might easily have had their lives stained by continually letting their thoughts dwell on what they could not help seeing and hearing and feeling, that evil they must often have met and fought in their striving together for the faith of the gospel.

But they were definitely told to think if things true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. "If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philppians 4:8).

My own words:
God is always so good at reminding me and others of how good we have it. I can get on my soap boxes a lot when it comes to parents appreciating their kids or workers actually doing their job. I must say that this is fresh air to breath in. I have to remind myself to look at the positives and see the good in all things. I pray that I can see life through God's grace and love!