Finding True Happiness Through Faith and Community

Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the concept of happiness and how it intertwines with our faith. We began by celebrating the success of Rush Week, where our students from various campuses came together for a time of service, fun, and worship. As we transition into the fall, we will delve into the minor prophets, followed by the book of James in the spring. But before that, we are embarking on a series titled "Let's Chat About," where we will discuss various topics starting with happiness.

Happiness, as defined in the Bible, is a state of pleasure or joy that comes from a secure and settled knowledge of God. It is not about a superficial smile or a positive personality but about finding joy and contentment in God, even during difficult times. Psalm 84 serves as our guide, illustrating that true happiness is found in moving towards God, relying on His strength, and trusting Him for the future.

The psalmist expresses a deep yearning to be closer to God, likening it to the desire to be in the courts of the Lord. This longing is not just for physical proximity but for a spiritual closeness that brings joy and contentment. We are reminded that happiness is not found in circumstances but in our relationship with God. Even in the valley of weeping, God's presence can turn our tears into springs of joy.

We also explored the four paths to happiness: walking with God, loving our family, engaging in purposeful work, and being part of a meaningful community. These elements were present even before the fall of man and are essential for a balanced and fulfilling life. Lastly, we are encouraged to trust God for the future, knowing that He holds it in His hands and that our ultimate happiness is found in Him.

### Key Takeaways

1. Move Towards God: True happiness begins with a deep desire to move closer to God. The psalmist in Psalm 84 yearns for the courts of the Lord, illustrating that our joy is found in the presence of God. This spiritual closeness is essential for experiencing true contentment and joy, even in difficult times. [39:03]

2. Rely on God's Strength: Life is filled with challenges, but relying on God's strength can turn our valleys of weeping into springs of joy. Psalm 84:5-7 reminds us that even in our darkest times, God's presence is a source of strength and happiness. This reliance on God helps us navigate through life's storms with a sense of peace and joy. [51:29]

3. Walk the Right Path: Happiness is found on the path of holiness. The right path involves walking in obedience to God, being in His presence, and engaging with His people. This path leads to true happiness, unlike the deceptive paths that promise joy but lead to misery and sin. [43:46]

4. Balance Key Elements of Life: True happiness involves a balance of walking with God, loving our family, engaging in purposeful work, and being part of a meaningful community. These elements were present before the fall and are essential for a fulfilling life. Keeping these in balance helps us maintain a sense of joy and contentment. [56:49]

5. Trust God for the Future: Our future is secure in God's hands, and trusting Him brings a sense of peace and happiness. Psalm 84:11-12 emphasizes that happiness is found in trusting God, even when circumstances are challenging. This trust allows us to face the future with confidence, knowing that God is in control. [01:03:07]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[34:00] - Rush Week Recap
[35:05] - Introduction to "Let's Chat About" Series
[36:21] - Defining Happiness
[37:37] - Moving Towards Happiness
[39:03] - Move Towards God
[43:46] - Walking the Right Path
[46:10] - The Right Place
[47:28] - Holiness and Happiness
[51:29] - Rely on God's Strength
[56:49] - Balance Key Elements of Life
[01:03:07] - Trust God for the Future
[01:10:33] - Call to Action and Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 84:1-12
- Ecclesiastes 4:12
- Ecclesiastes 9:9

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 84, what does the psalmist yearn for, and how does this reflect his desire for happiness? ([39:03])
2. What are the four paths to happiness mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to the Bible passages discussed? ([54:37])
3. How does the psalmist describe the Valley of Baca, and what transformation does he say occurs there? ([51:29])
4. What does Ecclesiastes 4:12 suggest about the importance of community in achieving happiness?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the psalmist's longing for the courts of the Lord in Psalm 84 illustrate the concept of moving towards God for true happiness? ([39:03])
2. In what ways does relying on God's strength help turn the Valley of Baca (a place of weeping) into a place of springs? ([51:29])
3. How do the four paths to happiness (walking with God, loving family, purposeful work, meaningful community) provide a balanced approach to a fulfilling life? ([54:37])
4. What does it mean to trust God for the future, and how does this trust contribute to our happiness according to Psalm 84:11-12? ([01:03:07])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps can you take this week to move closer to Him and experience the joy described in Psalm 84? ([39:03])
2. When facing a difficult situation, how can you rely on God's strength to transform your "Valley of Baca" into a place of springs? Share a specific challenge you are currently facing and how you plan to trust God through it. ([51:29])
3. Evaluate your current balance of walking with God, loving your family, engaging in purposeful work, and being part of a meaningful community. Which area needs more attention, and what practical steps can you take to improve it? ([54:37])
4. Think about a recent decision or action. Was it influenced more by a desire for immediate happiness or by a commitment to holiness? How can you align your future decisions with the understanding that "a call to holiness is a call to happiness"? ([47:28])
5. Identify one person in your life who might be struggling with sadness or depression. How can you offer them support and help them find joy in their relationship with God? ([53:05])
6. Reflect on your trust in God for the future. Are there specific worries or fears that you need to surrender to Him? How can you practice trusting God more fully this week? ([01:03:07])
7. How can you incorporate the practice of selfless service into your daily routine to enhance your happiness and the happiness of others around you? ([59:21])

Devotional

Day 1: Yearning for God's Presence
True happiness begins with a deep desire to move closer to God. The psalmist in Psalm 84 yearns for the courts of the Lord, illustrating that our joy is found in the presence of God. This spiritual closeness is essential for experiencing true contentment and joy, even in difficult times. The psalmist's longing is not just for physical proximity but for a spiritual closeness that brings joy and contentment. We are reminded that happiness is not found in circumstances but in our relationship with God. Even in the valley of weeping, God's presence can turn our tears into springs of joy. [39:03]

Psalm 84:1-2 (ESV): "How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God."

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally seek to draw closer to God today? What specific steps can you take to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him?

Day 2: Relying on God's Strength
Life is filled with challenges, but relying on God's strength can turn our valleys of weeping into springs of joy. Psalm 84:5-7 reminds us that even in our darkest times, God's presence is a source of strength and happiness. This reliance on God helps us navigate through life's storms with a sense of peace and joy. When we trust in God's strength, we are not overwhelmed by our circumstances but find joy and contentment in His presence. [51:29]

Psalm 84:5-7 (ESV): "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion."

Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you rely more on God's strength rather than your own? What practical steps can you take to lean on Him today?

Day 3: Walking the Path of Holiness
Happiness is found on the path of holiness. The right path involves walking in obedience to God, being in His presence, and engaging with His people. This path leads to true happiness, unlike the deceptive paths that promise joy but lead to misery and sin. Walking in holiness means aligning our lives with God's will and seeking to live in a way that honors Him. It is through this obedience and closeness to God that we find true joy and contentment. [43:46]

Psalm 119:1-3 (ESV): "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!"

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are not walking in obedience to God? What changes can you make to align your life more closely with His will?

Day 4: Balancing Key Elements of Life
True happiness involves a balance of walking with God, loving our family, engaging in purposeful work, and being part of a meaningful community. These elements were present before the fall and are essential for a fulfilling life. Keeping these in balance helps us maintain a sense of joy and contentment. When we prioritize these key elements, we create a life that is rich in relationships, purpose, and spiritual growth. [56:49]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

Reflection: Reflect on the balance in your life. Are you giving enough attention to your relationship with God, your family, your work, and your community? What adjustments can you make to ensure a more balanced and fulfilling life?

Day 5: Trusting God for the Future
Our future is secure in God's hands, and trusting Him brings a sense of peace and happiness. Psalm 84:11-12 emphasizes that happiness is found in trusting God, even when circumstances are challenging. This trust allows us to face the future with confidence, knowing that God is in control. When we place our trust in God, we are not overwhelmed by fear or anxiety but find peace in His sovereignty and goodness. [01:03:07]

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Reflection: What are your fears or anxieties about the future? How can you actively place your trust in God and His plans for your life? What steps can you take to surrender your future to Him today?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "True happiness derives from a secure and settled knowledge of God and rejoicing in his works and his covenant faithfulness. Synonyms are pleasure, contentment, satisfaction, merriment, joyfulness, joy, delight, gladness, blessedness. Those are all synonyms throughout the scripture. So we're not talking about a fake smile today. We're not talking about a certain positive personality today. We know that we live in a broken and sinful and difficult world. We're not in ignorance of that. What we're talking about is how we can move towards living a life of joy and happiness because we want that. We're wired for that." [36:21] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Happiness is when we have a deep desire to move closer to the Lord. It's the presence of God. It's the place of God. And it's the people of God. If you hate church, you're going to really dislike heaven. Now, I'm not saying we're better than heaven. We're just, we're just a church. We're doing the best we can. But if there's something in you that like the praises of God, you don't like heaven, you're going to really dislike heaven. You don't like that. You don't want to hear the preaching of the word. You don't want to be with the people of God. You need to examine your heart because the presence and the people and the praises are actually the journey spot to happiness." [40:16] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "A call to holiness is a call to happiness. Here's what we think. We think, God's trying to rob our happiness and the happiness is on the wrong path. Happiness isn't in the wrong path. Happiness is on the right path with God. That's where the happiness is found." [47:28] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Holiness brings happiness. And we live in a world that says happiness is do whatever you want to do. God wants me to be happy. So that means God wants me to sin. No, that's not true. Holiness is a call to happiness. We've sung this song a bunch of times, all of our campuses, Siena, Cypress, downtown. There's joy in the house of the Lord. There's joy in the house of the Lord today. And we will not be silent. We sing out your praise. There's joy in the presence of God. Happiness is found in God. Not in circumstances." [48:43] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The greatest men and women who have ever lived have been trying to tell us the same thing, yet we're still surprised to hear that life is hard. The hardest part of life is our refusal to accept that life is hard. That refusal of acceptance is the core of our unhappiness. We are straining for unreasonable happiness. The strain creates unrealistic expectations and leads us to unhappiness when those expectations aren't met. Give up that striving and it will bring you a new level of peace." [50:08] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The first thing, if we're going to be people that move towards happiness, here's our first thing that we've got to do. We've got to be people that move towards God. We've got to be people that move towards God. We can move towards God in good times. We can move towards God in bad times. So here we have the psalmist is saying in verse 2, did you see what he said? I long, I yearn. It's an emotional desire. He's like, I long and I yearn for the courts of the Lord." [39:03] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Rely on God's strength today. Let's look at verses five through seven. And for those of y'all that are like, I am going through the worst time of my life. I'm so sad. And I cannot believe I showed up on church for a day when the guy's talking about being happy. Here we go. We're going to get to the tough stuff right here. Okay. Verse five, happy, again, happy are the people who are whose strength is in you, who set their hearts on pilgrimage. That word pilgrimage means that their hearts are on a highway. They're going somewhere with God." [51:29] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Sometimes we're not happy because we're focused on ourselves and we need to be focused on God and focused on others. And so he says, walk with God, love your family, purposeful work in meaningful community, and God will give you in that the midst of joy, even in a difficult world." [01:00:42] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Trust in God for tomorrow, the future is bright. You could be going through the darkest time. Keep trusting the Lord. Take a step. The clouds are always moving. And you trust the Lord. You keep your managed expectations. It's never going to be perfect. And you take that step and trust the Lord for the future. We're not afraid of the future because we know who holds it. And he is a God that is good and loves us and is a joyful, joyful God that gives abundant life." [01:03:07] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "What he's saying is this, is if you trust Jesus Christ as your Savior, his blood washes you clean and the happiest person you could ever be is when you trust Jesus as your Savior. So, if you don't know Jesus Christ as your Savior, today's the day to accept that offer of Christ. He died for your sins to pay for your sins. You went on the wrong path. He died for your sins to pay for your sins. You went on the wrong path. He died for your sins to pay for your sins so that you could be back on the right path." [01:04:26] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?