Devotion for Today

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The Secret of Happiness

March 14, 2013

So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.
–Matthew 6:34 (TLB)

King George V wrote on the flyleaf of the Bible of a friend, “The secret of happiness is not to do what you like to do, but to learn to like what you have to do.” Too many think of happiness as some sort of will-o’-the-wisp thing that is discovered by constant and relentless searching. It is not found by seeking. It is not an end in itself. Pots of gold are never found at the end of the rainbow, as we used to think when we were children; gold is mined from the ground or panned laboriously from a mountain stream.

Jesus once told His disciples, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” The “things” He spoke of were the things that make us feel happy and secure—food, drink, clothes, shelter. He told us not to make these the chief goal of our lives but to “seek the kingdom” and these needs would be automatically supplied. There, if we will take it, is the secret of happiness.

Prayer for the day

Forgive me, Father, for the times when I am anxious. You have promised to take care of all my needs.

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39 Comments

Hector says 3.14.2013, 1:30 p.m.

As he spoke to us in keeping happiness thru four daily needs we forget that he is in charge and he will help your needs by simply asking him. Amen

Janice says 3.14.2013, 12:40 a.m.

The gifts are all around us, daily provision from God's hand if we will open our eyes, still our hearts, give thanks. Jesus said consider (really study on) his amazing creation, like a field abloom with masses of tiny flowers, we will know Him.

l says 3.14.2013, 12:16 a.m.

We cannot see from His vantage point without His help; we just must cast all our cares upon Him, He wants us to trust Him - He never fails, and, will comfort, provide, guide, and keep us having a sound mind, if we are stayed upon He. Amen

Beverly says 3.14.2013, 11:47 a.m.

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms (James 5:13). Live life today, don't look back at past trials, and look forward to God's promise of our eternal happiness with Him.

Steve says 3.14.2013, 11:23 a.m.

Lord, Help me to find delight in doing the things You would have me to do...One day at a time.

Ed says 3.14.2013, 10:35 a.m.

I am a newly reborn christian,it is the most wonderfull thing that ever happen to me,praise the lord.And I am spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to all,that is my mission.Be strong and courages.Joshua,my main in the Bible.

MARK says 3.14.2013, 08:14 a.m.

LOOK TO THE UNSEEN ,and we most read GAL;6;7 AND MORE IMPORTANT we most read 1COR;3;16,17 and there is powerful and the one tough thing to do GOD HELP US ALL.....

Gerry says 3.14.2013, 06:04 a.m.

Its very easy to allow your mind to look at current difficult circumstances in life and become concerned. What will happen tomorrow........? Try and remain calm. We need to remember God is in charge of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Dennis says 3.13.2013, 8:44 p.m.

I have heard many times the expression, "He has done well for Himself!"... May I say that Christ our risen Savior has paid much more for me than any material goods this world could possibly offer. Amen.

Janice says 3.14.2012, 7:58 p.m.

Thanks to your work, we look for reasons to read our Bibles at our house. Thank you for reminding us all who the Sovereign Lord is with scripture and lessons.

Mark says 3.14.2012, 6:32 p.m.

When I was a child we sang a song that began with 'Happiness is to know the Saviour...' Many years later, I know how true this is. The myth of modernity is materialism. 2Tim 3:16-17 says it's 'inspiration' we need - to be complete.

Stephen says 3.14.2012, 3:25 p.m.

Sure, after we walk in God's ways He then, will reward us with His truth happiness.

Debbie says 3.14.2012, 09:29 a.m.

Thank you Heavenly Father for everything. I love you! Please help me identify what you need me to do. As others have said, make it visible to the point I know it could only be from you. Please help, Larry and Tonia. Tks and praise your Holy Name.

George says 3.14.2012, 09:15 a.m.

I am now re-reading the Bible. It is wonderful to read how the Lord will help only those that believe in Him, and those that don't will perish. We need to do the same or we will fall into the same fate.

Joe says 3.14.2012, 08:35 a.m.

Amen Christina.

Gerry says 3.14.2012, 07:49 a.m.

When I think about the countless ways God has blessed my life to this point ........it still amazes me. I find great comfort in knowing, for certain, it is the same God that will guide me through my tomorrow's.

Tim says 3.14.2012, 07:47 a.m.

For the secret of happiness is knowing he first loved us...

BAHOLEYAN says 3.14.2012, 06:22 a.m.

O"GOD "LET THE WORLD BE FILLED WITH PEACE AND LIBERTY AN FORGIVENESS IN ALL HOMES IN THE WORLD"

GLORIA says 3.14.2012, 05:52 a.m.

DEAR GOD, THANK YOU FOR HAPPINESS IN MY HEART THAT ONLY YOU CAN GIVE ME !!! HELP ME TO SHINE FOR YOUR GLORY AND ONLY DO WORK FOR YOU.

ariel says 3.14.2012, 04:23 a.m.

Lord increase my faith.

Japhet says 3.14.2012, 02:51 a.m.

Father God in Heaven, Lord I thank You for the strength to face and break all the hindrances that would block my way to you in my everyday living Lord, I can't do anything without You...in Jesus name..

Heather says 3.14.2012, 02:22 a.m.

Your talent is Gods gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God!

Annie says 3.12.2012, 07:54 a.m.

My Loving Heavenly Father, I thank You, and I praise You, You always help me and take care of me when I go through anxious times! In whom are hid all the treasures....You are my Happiness......! A Million Thanks, Amen!

Tanya says 3.14.2011, 11:57 p.m.

God Please show me your WILL and purpose...I desire to serve you....Please show me how you want to use me......I am so full of confusion---please speak to me in a way I will know is from you....

Anthony says 3.14.2011, 5:47 p.m.

Lord, please give my life direction and change it for the better. Help me to find a job and move my life forward and out of this rut I've been in for too long now. Bless me Lord with a good Christian woman who will be by my side and together we will build a life with you as our guide. In Jesus name I pray, Amen

Alena says 3.14.2011, 4:52 p.m.

Hello, Mandavah. Your comment touched my heart and I just wanted you to know that I am praying for you. God bless you!

Kim says 3.14.2011, 4:19 p.m.

Please pray for me. Through all of life's challenges and disappointments, I know GOD to be faithful and I do love HIM so much. (We would like to pray and provide some encouragement. Please call 1-877-247-2426 to talk and pray with someone. There are people here who care. Or, you can send a private email to help@bgea.org. We will continue to keep you in prayer. The BGEA Internet team.)

Linda says 3.14.2011, 4:16 p.m.

Please pray for salvation for my daughter and her husband. Thank you. (We would like to pray and provide some encouragement. Please call 1-877-247-2426 to talk and pray with someone. There are people here who care. Or, you can send a private email to help@bgea.org. We will continue to keep you in prayer. The BGEA Internet team.)

Dennis says 3.14.2011, 1:58 p.m.

Thank you Mr. Graham, for allowing God to speak through you. This actually made a lot of sense to me.

Ritu says 3.14.2011, 11:19 a.m.

All my brethren, please pray for my mother's salvation so that she may experience true happiness which is a gift of God.

Rich says 3.14.2011, 10:07 a.m.

Dear Lord please comfort me during this hard time and let me receive good news shortly. The toll is hard. Amen

sam says 3.14.2011, 09:55 a.m.

Follow the Lord, and all the rest will follow.

Mandavah says 3.14.2011, 07:03 a.m.

Hello my name's Crem MANDAVAH. I really love the idea of ''secrete of happiness '' I want to know more about it Thank you very much n God will bless you always.

Martie says 3.14.2011, 06:46 a.m.

Thanks be to God for His blessings. And thanks to you Mr. Graham, and to your staff members, for being dedicated to His works.

Paula says 3.14.2011, 05:59 a.m.

Thanks for the daily devotion. This message I really need it in my difficult time now. I have a situation that I have to make the right decision. Seeking the kingdom of God by obeying the rule. As a result, I have to seek another source of funding for my study. Please pray for me. I really need it to continue my study for 1 year more that is next year because of my decision to obey. In the past God blessed me and provided a miracle, I need another blessing and miracle for next year. Please pray also for husband, my daughter and my son. Even though we are separate because of my study and my son's study, but we always have unity in God through His Son, Jesus and Holy Spirit.Thank you.

Linda says 3.14.2011, 05:35 a.m.

The secret for happiness is to be satisfied with what you have and what GOD has provided for you instead of constantly wanting more with new cars, new homes, furniture, clothes, etc. Children today are so overindulged for getting and expecting too much which makes it very hard for them when parents lose their job. Here in Seminole County, Fl, 1500 students are homeless. It was on TV a week ago Sunday. Thank GOD from whom all blessings flow.

Christina says 3.14.2011, 04:26 a.m.

God help us.

Gerry says 3.14.2011, 04:00 a.m.

Every day is full of a new set of circumstances. Some may appear insurmountable to our human mind. However if we remain focused on God we will ultimately see more than ready, willing and able to provide .

mick says 3.13.2011, 6:56 p.m.

Materialism is one of our worst idols!