All of us want to be happy. And all of us will inevitably be pushed by life to maintain our state of happiness in the midst of hardships, unexpected situations, transitions, and new experiences.
Throughout every stage and season of life, we will encounter troubles, tests, and trials that challenge our faith and attempt to disrupt our happiness.
Happiness is not the absence of conflict, ideal circumstances, or perfect outcomes. Yet, it is possible for us to experience happiness as we trust God’s will for our lives.
We are reminded in John 16:33 of these words Jesus spoke, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Despite the troubles of this world, God offers us an abiding peace in Him. It is this peace in God that informs our joy and happiness. When we choose to cling to God’s peace, we are declaring our trust in Him.
If we are honest, it can be difficult to find happiness when we have resolved to pursue our own path instead of pursuing Christ. Pursuing Christ is one expression of our trust in Him. When we choose to run after Jesus instead of yielding to ourselves, happiness will come by default.
God has a will for our lives, and it requires us to trust Him and surrender to His plan so that His will may come to fruition. It is only in relinquishing control of our own lives that we trust God over our human ability.
That is when we can be led into true peace, joy, and happiness that is lasting and fulfilling. Our loving Savior is trustworthy and will guide us by His sovereignty.
We can trust God’s will for our happiness as we submit every area of our life to Him through prayer. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (NKJV).
Proverbs 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (NKJV).
It is good for us to trust God and pray about everything. As we release our worries and cares that threaten our happiness, we can be reassured of our joy in Jesus, that sustains our happiness throughout our life.
1. A Prayer to Trust God’s Will for Our Happiness in Our Career
Dear Lord, I come before your presence, giving you praise for who you are, and thanking you for all you have done. I am grateful for the opportunity to work, and I recognize you have afforded my current employment. Thank you for being my source of every resource, Jehovah Jireh.
It is my request that you bless the works of my hand. Help me to remember that everything I do as it pertains to my job is as unto you and for your glory.
Colossians 3:23-24 tells us, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (NKJV).
As I remember to serve you as I serve those I impact, may I experience happiness throughout my chosen career.
I realize every day may not be a day I necessarily feel happy about my work or even the people I interact with. But help me to reflect on you as the foundation of my happiness and to recall you have purpose in my career assignments.
Please allow me to be salt and light to every person in my sphere of influence. Help me to remember they are souls you are concerned about, and so should I be, also.
Father, I commit my happiness to you. Come what may — the good and bad, the ups and downs — I cling to the rest, peace, and joy I find in you that dictates my happiness within my career.
Ecclesiastes 5:18 states, “What is the best thing to do in the short life God has given us? I think we should enjoy eating, drinking, and working hard. This is what God intends for us to do” (CEV).
Lord, help me to always clearly discern your will concerning the choices I am confronted with and to understand time and seasons as it relates to my career assignments.
When I have finished an assignment, give me happiness in knowing I have finished well and strong so that I may release it back to you.
I believe and trust your will for my career and praise you for the happiness you offer me as I follow you. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
2. A Prayer to Trust God’s Will for Our Happiness in Our Parenthood
Heavenly Father, I praise you for the blessings of motherhood. Thank you for the awesome privilege of being a mother to the beautiful children you have given me.
You could have chosen differently, but in your infinite wisdom you have paired us together, and for this, I give you praise.
I confess to you there are times I do not always feel happy to be a mother. Sometimes I feel tired, worn out, overworked, and underappreciated as a mom. There are days I feel overwhelmed by the weight and responsibilities of parenthood, and I wish I did not have to step up to the plate.
Thank you for never judging me but instead always having a way of reminding me your grace is sufficient, your love is unconditional, and your mercy is never-ending.
Even when I make mistakes in parenting, I am grateful I can trust you for instructions and insights as I seek to move forward and recover.
Even when I have fallen short as a mother or my children have missed the mark, I can still be happy because You promise that You work all things together for my good because I love You and am called according to Your purpose (see Romans 8:28).
Thank you for teaching me more and more to lean on and depend on you, to trust you for my happiness along my motherhood journey.
Lord, especially in the seasons of motherhood that are hard, and I struggle to be joyful because of my disapproval of my children’s actions, remind me that I am only responsible for teaching them the ways of Christ and am not responsible for their choices.
Encourage my heart to cling to your word and find happiness in the hope your word brings to my soul. As I place my hope in you, I can trust you to be the best mother you have called me to be. Thank you for your blessed assurance that makes me happy in you alone. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
3. A Prayer to Trust God’s Will for Our Happiness in Our Friendships
Oh God, I praise you for the gift of friendship. How sweet is this gift that comes from you when we experience it with another person. Thank you for creating a plan for biblical friendship that blesses our life as we partner with others.
Today I ask you to teach me how to be happy with the God-ordained friendships you have placed in my path. Help me not to mourn toxic friendships of the past or grieve over desired friendships I do not currently have.
Instead, may my longing be toward you, my dearest, most cherished friend that sticks closer than any other.
I trust you to help me be the kind of friend I desire to have. When conflict and confrontation must be addressed, show me how to navigate these circumstances with tenderness, compassion, and love.
May I be willing to extend the olive branch and offer forgiveness freely. When I need to ask another person for forgiveness, give me the ability to do so with a spirit of humility.
Proverbs 27:9 reminds me of your design for friendship: “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense” (NLT).
May my friendships be sweet and refreshing, filled with joyful moments that remind me of your goodness. I ask you to fill our hearts with happiness as we share our faith in you as the baseline of our friendship. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
For further reading:
How Can We Completely Trust in God?
What Does it Mean to Trust in Jesus?
Is it Okay to Pray for Happiness?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/AntonioGuillem
This article is part of our prayer resources meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayers for Healing
Morning Prayers
Prayers for Family
Prayers for Surgery
Prayers for Strength
Night Prayers Before Bed
Prayers for Protection
The Lord's Prayer: Our Father
