God’s Rules For
Happy Living
Introduction:
A. In our hectic world of suicide,
depression, divorce, bitterness and hatred – happiness, joy and contentment
are precious commodities indeed – they are constantly being sought after.
1.
So many advertisements appeal to our
natural desires to be happy – promising joy and
contentment if we will only buy their product.
2.
But look around you, the majority of people have never found true and lasting
happiness!
3.
As a result, some people have become cynical about the elusive state of
happiness – denying that it even exists.
a.
Is there such a thing as true
happiness?
b.
Yes – happiness is a reality and it
can be ours.
c.
Not only can Christians be happy, but
B.
God expects and commands that his
people be happy:
1.
Scriptures:
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.
To write the same things again is
no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for
you.” Philippians 3:1 (NAS)
“Rejoice in the Lord always, I will
say it again: Rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
“Rejoice
always.” I Thessalonians
“Be happy
(in your faith) and rejoice and be glad hearted continually
-- always.”
I Thessalonians
“but to the degree
that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that
also at the revelation of His glory you
may rejoice with exaltation.” I
Peter 4:13
(NAS)
2.
Paul rejoiced and was full of happiness even in less than pleasant
circumstances.
“I have great
boldness and free and fearless confidence and cheerful courage toward you; my
pride in you is great;
I am filled brimful with the comfort of it.
With all our tribulation and in spite of it, I am filled, with
comfort, I am overflowing with joy.”
II Corinthians 7:4 (AMP)
“Therefore I
take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in
persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I
strong.” II Corinthians
*Note:
take pleasure – to think well
3.
I could use many other Scriptures, but these are sufficient to show that of
all people, we as Christians should be joyful and happy.
C.
I think we can all agree (based on
these Scriptures that God expects His children to be happy – but the question
remains “How?)
1.
Happiness is not something that we stumble on by accident.
2.
Happiness cannot be bought, sold, traded, (regardless of the many sales
pitches to the contrary).
3.
Fortunately, happiness is not only for the rich or affluent.
4.
Happiness is a state of mind within everyone’s grasp!
5.
Many books have been written all claiming to contain the formula for happiness
and contentment.
a) But the very best advice to be found on the subject is to be found in God’s Word – the Bible.