Which jobs below make people happiest?
How many of the jobs did you guess? Surprise! All seven of these jobs made the list of the 31 happiest jobs in America in 2025.1 Interestingly enough, many of the jobs listed in 2023 did not make the current list.
Why?
Fair pay and a pleasant work environment certainly contributed to happiness in these jobs. However, it’s not our job or circumstances that ultimately brings us long lasting happiness, it’s our inner joy.
“We experience a sense of happiness when our circumstances
are pleasant and we’re relatively free from troubles.
The kind of happiness that’s lasting is an inner joy and peace,
which endures in any circumstance no matter what comes our way.”
Billy Graham
TAKE MY JOB FOR EXAMPLE.
Writing wasn’t on my bucket list. However, when I felt the Lord asking me to do it, it became my job. I found I love writing! Who knew? Searching the scriptures, praying and seeing where the Lord directs me is an adventure that grows my faith and inner joy.
Then there’s promotion and technology. Joy? Not always. Sometimes they are just plain frustrating. So, I tackle them out of obedience and necessity focusing on the challenge of learning something new. By faith I trust the Lord will work it all for good.
Whether we work inside or outside of our home, don’t we all have challenging parts of our jobs? Some parts bring us joy and other parts? Well, not so much.
Do you tackle challenging tasks with joy or necessity and obedience?
OBEDIENCE IS GOOD.
HOWEVER,
OBEDIENCE WITH JOY IS EVEN BETTER.
Wouldn’t we love to see our child smile when they obediently take out the trash?
Like we want those we love to be joyful in everything, even challenges, so does the Lord who loves us.
(Deuteronomy 12:7)
IT’S OUR INNER JOY
FROM THE LORD
THAT STRENGTHENS US TO GET THROUGH IT ALL.
Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10b
DO YOU WANT MORE INNER JOY?
1. ASK FOR IT!
The Lord loves us so much that He wants us to have His gift of inner joy. (Galatians 5: 22)
Until now you have asked nothing in My name.
Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full,
John 16:24
2. FILL UP!
The more we fill up our thoughts with God’s loving Word, the more we are filled up with joy.
Your words were found, and I ate them,
And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart;
For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts,
Jeremiah 15:16
3. HAVE A PERSPECTIVE FOCUSING ON JOY!
Find the good!
Look at tasks and situations with a joyful perspective. If negatively challenging things happen, find that speck of good and focus on it, Philippians 4:6-9. We may even learn something from the challenge!
Find the opportunity!
What’s our perspective when people nag us to preform skills when they lack the expertise? Or when a child continually asks for us to tie their shoe? Are these requests frustrating or opportunities? Taking the perspective that these moments are teachable opportunities can turn frustration into joy for everyone.
SO, SHARE THE JOY!!
4. HAVE FAITH!
Aren’t we joyful when we know everything will work out?
All it takes is a little faith. Facing challenges with faith allows us to rest in Jesus’s loving arms knowing that He will work everything for good, even the bad.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are the called according to His purpose,
Romans 8:28
5. BE THANKFUL & SMILE!
Having faith to be thankful, no matter what happens, lightens our load and makes us smile. So, let’s remember Romans 8:28 and smile! It’s beneficial!
In everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you,
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Smiling can trick your brain by
elevating your mood, lowering your heart rate, and reducing your stress.
The smile doesn’t have to be based on
real emotion because faking it works as well.” Dr. Samuel
A merry heart does good, like medicine,
Proverbs 17:22a
Smiling also boosts our immune system, decreases stress and pain. 2
REFLECTION
Are you facing challenges that zap your joy? What step can you take to change your perspective and fill up with joy?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as I write Jeremiah 15:16 and say it aloud, fill my heart with the joy of Your Word. When challenges come, help me to be thankful. In faith help me to have a joyful perspective, focus on the good you will do and be the light You have called me to be. In Jesus name. Amen.
IN FAITH FILL UP WITH JOY
Comment!
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For information on making Jesus Christ your Savior, email me or visit, http://www.peacewithgod.net/
1 scienceofpeople.com
2 healthline.com
Photo dog, Wen Zhu
Photo boy & trash, Jarrod Blamey
Photos boy, women, Ben White
Photo hippo, Ligiera
