Happiness In Crappiness

by Nikki Lane

I’ve found something to be true in life: you will see what you’re looking for. I know that sounds kind of dumb and you’re probably thinking, “Well duh. Tell us something we don’t know, Nikki.” You’ll see what I mean though. For instance, I recently got a new car—a Nissan Rogue. I like my new car, I think it’s great. Want to know what sucks though? I literally feel like I see 54 Nissan Rogues every single day. They’re everywhere; everywhere I turn I see one. It’s a little frustrating, to be honest. Now, do you think just because I got this car everyone else decided to get one at the same time? Well, of course not. There have always been 54 Nissan Rogues on the road near me every day; however, it’s now that I’m looking for them I see them. This same concept is true in life with bigger, more important, things. If you look for good in the world, you will see good. If you look for bad in the world, you will see bad. It’s all out there, that is for sure. It’s up to you what you see though.

I believe this is really important for us as Christians. It’s inevitable: we WILL face hard times—it’s not a matter of “if” but “when”. It’s going to happen and it’s important to ask yourself, “In the difficulty that I’m going through, do the people around me see how big my God is OR do they see how small I think my God is?” There is power in your perspective. We all know those people who have something to complain about every single day, don’t we? Regardless of what is going on in their life, they always find something to be upset about, something to complain about. Have you ever wondered if they are LOOKING for good in their life?

READ: Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
 
God is big. This verse doesn’t say, “God will try to make…”, or “God will make some things…” No no, it says, “God causes EVERYTHING to work together for the good…” Every single thing, God will make it work for your good. He’s powerful. I believe there are some things God has made work for our good, but we have yet to see it as “good” because we’re not looking for the good. Change your mindset. I’ve seen it put like this, “Seek out the happiness in all of life’s crappiness.” Sure, there is plenty of crap in the world, but if you’ll choose to, you’ll see the good too. There is good even in the bad, because of God. Look for it and you’ll find it. The next time an obstacle appears or you feel like you’re going through a trial, look for the good in it. Change your perspective and watch God work.