This from a reader

My experience is that overall emotional stability or better yet, happiness, is a daily issue to deal with. I think overall we are better off if we follow the lifestyle as taught by Jesus and the Bible, but it doesn't make us immune to the attacks of Satan or other people or just natural circumstances such as disease or accident to us or loved ones.

I find wisdom in what Solomon wrote overall in Ecclesiastes about having a balanced life, a partial summary as contained in these verses:

2:24 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,

3:12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.

8:15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.

So to me the practical application of these verses balanced with all other parts of the Bible is this: Bad, disappointing and discouraging things are going to happen to all of us while here on earth. When those things happen, how do we keep our balance and get back up to par? Depend upon God per the verses you quoted plus apply what Solomon stated in Ecc.

So how do we apply this in a practical way? In my opinion we need to plan and do those things that have a probability to bring us satisfaction, joy and happiness. It sounds simple, but isn't always that easy. When we get wrapped up in our work, even if it is ministry work, over time it can cause us to ignore those things that otherwise bring us satisfaction and joy. Over a period of time we get out of the habit and can actually "forget" how to do those things.

I think its important then to take some time and identify what kinds of experiences will likely bring us satisfaction, joy or happiness... and make it a priority to regularly participate in those types of activities. Maybe its spending more quality time with those we love. Maybe its going to more ball games or getting more physical exercise or going fishing with a friend or tending a garden or whatever. Perhaps its a combination of a few different activities during the different seasons. I think there's some wisdom in the old adage, "All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy." Or, take time to smell the roses.

In any event, the bad times are going to happen and I think its good to have a regular dose of good times in order to help balance out the bad times.

Gary Martinez