Introduction

  • Jeremiah 2:13
  • Psalms 16:7-11

Give up on counterfeit happiness.

  • Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
  • Barna OmniPoll, August 2015:
    • 86% of US adults believe that “To be fulfilled in life, you should pursue the things you desire most.”
    • 84% believe “The highest goal of life is to enjoy it as much as possible.”
  • The Happiness Project
    • “living the life that’s right for you …”
  • “When Alexander saw the breadth of his domain, he wept for there were no more worlds to conquer.”

Find joy in serving the Lord.

  • Psalms 1:1-2
  • Psalms 2:12
  • Psalms 32:1-2
  • Psalms 34:8
  • Psalms 40:4
  • Psalms 84:4
  • Those who are happy in the Lord are happy because they are living in the Lord.
  • I Corinthians 15:58
  • One kind of work is never useless: serving God.
  • Philippians 3:1; 4:4
  • Lamentations 1:8
  • Jeremiah 9:23-24
  • Matthew 22:37
  • Luke 9:23

Put negative things in perspective.

  • Philippians 1:12-18 – Paul saw the positive in his imprisonment – the gospel was spreading more!
  • Philippians 3:7-8, 18-21
  • Philippians 4:11-12 – Paul learned to be content in Christ.
  • A Christian always has reason to rejoice.
  • True happiness is only in the Lord.