You can never choose all that happens to you, but you can always choose what happens in you. No one No one and nothing can make you miserable without your permission. Your outlook determines your attitude.

Remember, S-T-R-E-S-S-E-D is just D-E-S-S-E-R-T-S spelled backward. Change your perspective and you can change your attitude. Stop complaining about what you don’t have and start thanking God for what you do have. When you choose to acknowledge all the blessings God has given you, you will grow in gratitude and you will grow “in God.” Start with the basics that apply to you: food to eat, a roof over your head, good health, loving relationships, a job, etc… Enthusiasm is the natural outflow of a grateful heart.

In contrast, the word “disease” comes from the Old French word desaise. The compound words are des meaning “without” and aise meaning “ease.” Disease is defined as a state of disharmony because things are without ease. Many believers are spiritually diseased because of their negativity and ingratitude. Don’t let conflicting, anxious thoughts steal your joy. Misery cannot manifest in a heart full of joy. Jesus came to bring us a joy that is literally out of this world.

John 10:10 (ESV)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Jesus said He came to bring us abundant life. There is a big difference between just living and having abundant life. It’s the difference between surviving and thriving. Which will you choose? Hellen Keller said, “Your success and happiness lies in you.

Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” Choosing to live with joy determines how successful your life will be. It takes 72 muscles to frown and only 23 to smile, which means you exert more energy being upset than you do choosing to be happy.