Living thankfully for happiness during this virus is probably going to take more concentrated intention than it once did. However, I believe I can do it, and you can too. We woke up this morning, we could get up from our mattresses, see and hear people we love, and make plans.

What gave you happiness before?

The feel of the coffee mug a friend chose for you? An oldies song on Spotify or a radio station? Sunshine, sprouting flowers, a robin hunting worms? The dog near your feet that rests his chin on your shoe? All those things are still here to be enjoyed.

We’re temporarily being warned to do less of the gallivanting we took for granted, but could this mean that happiness, which we’d let slip in pursuit of the next activity or object, could last longer in our minds, be more intense?
The Old Testament is layered with moments where one leader or another called the people to concentrate on how God displayed His character to them in events from their national history. Some of those occurred in times of celebration, and others during terror. But, in all of them, the focus settled on God’s glorious power. Many believers are remembering Psalm 91 for comfort, but take some time to read the passage linked to this paragraph as well.
Living thankfully for happiness during this virus is not an ordinary thing to do. It won’t be the first reaction from the minds of many, but don’t delay to make it yours. Some people out there are prepared to mock you, but their attitude is not helpful.

Does living thankfully for happiness during this virus mean we’re being unrealistic?

No. It may be more difficult, but pressing forward to intentionally obey will fulfill part of God’s will for his people’s lives. (1 Thess. 5:12-18)
Some people counsel that an appropriate length for proper hand-washing involves several repetitions of Happy Birthday to You. Others sing the Doxology, slowly. Since I’m generally not fond of singing too slowly, I’m choosing to sing several stanzas of a favorite hymn, A Mighty Fortress is Our God. Try it.

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