There are two levels of submission to God. One, we can ask him to rule over our daily life, and ask Him for His guidance in all our decisions. In our projects, we talk to God, for Him to  guides us in the right direction and for His favor and the favor of men. And this is a key to success, as Proverbs 16.3 (NCV) says : “Depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

But there is another level of submission: of our heart. It is when we ask God to reign in us. Here we give Him permission to direct our thoughts and emotions. And this higher level of submission is the key to happiness!

It is not easy. In 2 Corinthians 10.5 (NIV) it says : “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” And the use of the word “captive” demonstrates the effort it takes to control our thoughts. The verse does not say that we guide our thoughts to the obedience of Christ; but we must capture, bind, and force them to be obedient to Christ.

How do we know if God is reigning over our thoughts? Philippians 4.4-8 gives us a strong clue. When we are grumpy and not happy, it’s a sign that our thoughts are not captives to Christ. When we are not “gentle”, that’s another sign. When we worry or have impure thoughts, those are more signs.

So how do we give God authority over our thoughts? A good place to transfer authority is worship. In keeping our eyes fixed on the cross, we are flooded with gratitude for what He has done for us. Looking at the cross, we are reminded of His great love, and if He went on the cross to show us His love, we know that His love will deliver us out of our little problems. “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy”, says Psalm 94.19 (NV).

We can be reassured as He proved His love with the cross. Not only for the success of our projects, but also for our inner happiness. He paid a huge price for us to be happy. And this state of perfect happiness will be the best witness you can give to those who do not know God.

If you are worried, angry, resentful, etc., you are not happy! We are called is to be happy in Jesus. To answer the call we must submit our thoughts to “be” a Christian, and submit our talents to “do” His work. Two different ways of submitting, but both needed to keep us balanced.

When people ask: “How are you?”, what do you say? A vague OK, or I’m sad, or tired? Or maybe “Oh, you don’t want to know the disaster that just happened to me!”. But if God is in control of our hearts, and we keep our eyes on Jesus’ demonstration of love on the cross. We won’t worry, we will be in peace and joy. So our answers should be different.

Here’s a challenge: the next time someone asks: “How are you?”, answer: “Oh, I’m so happy!”. The response you’ll get from people, will be surprising! They will more than likely ask you why so you can testify to them. “I’m thinking of what Jesus has done for me, how I am fortunate to be able to count on Him. Because He is always with me, I never feel lonely. I know only good things will happen to me. It’s such a peace to live in this state of mind.” Forcing yourself answer this way will help you to submit your thoughts to the obedience of Christ, even if you don’t feel very happy.

This is not hiding what is going wrong : there is a complete book in the Bible called the “Lamentations” of Jeremiah. However, your lamentations should be shared with God and not to everyone around you! Talk to Him until your thoughts are realigned with what the Word of God says. Christ died for you: be the happiest person on Earth!