Soon, we will all be shouting, “Happy New Year!” It’s a warm and hopeful sentiment because we know that happy people live longer, healthier and more prosperous lives. Scripture confirms that true happiness is found in our relationship with God.

But do we play a part in feeling happy?

A study reported in the March 2008 issue ofPsychological Science concludes that certain personality traits predispose us to happiness. Even if you are fortunate to have happy genetics, about 50 percent of happiness is up to us and influenced by external factors in our lives. Thus, we do influence how happy we are. How?

Make God your most important relationship. 

When you know God wants your best, is ordering your steps and can be trusted to be who He says He is and does what He promises, happiness is an outcome of that relationship.

Work on your intimate relationships.

Strong and healthy marriages are associated with increased happiness. People who pursue intimacy with others and don’t judge themselves against others are happy.

Be grateful and express it.

Happiness increases in those who feel and express gratitude.

Be forgiving.

University of Michigan psychologist Christopher Peterson found that forgiveness is a trait linked to happiness.

Don’t look to materialism.

What doesn’t make people happy is stuff! One of the reasons we find depression increasing after the holidays is that possessions don’t bring the proclaimed happiness advertisers purport they do. When happiness is dependent on materialism, people feel empty and realize that stuff cannot fill the void.

So on December 31, when we ring in the New Year, remember to keep God at the center of your life, work on your relationships and keep them strong, don’t buy in to the idea that things bring happiness and maintain an attitude of gratefulness and forgiveness all year long.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!