Finding True Happiness Through God's Word

 

Summary

As we embark on a new year, we often find ourselves making resolutions and setting goals in pursuit of happiness. Yet, despite our best efforts, true happiness often eludes us. The pursuit of happiness can sometimes resemble a twisted logic, akin to the humorous notion that money can buy cows, which make milk, which makes ice cream, and thus, happiness. However, this approach is superficial and fleeting. The real question is, how do we achieve genuine happiness?

Psalm 1 offers profound insights into this quest for happiness. It presents a choice between two paths: living for ourselves or living for God. The psalmist describes the truly happy person as one who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night. This person is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in its season, with leaves that do not wither. In contrast, the wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind.

True happiness, or blessedness, is not merely an emotional state but a state of being that encompasses all aspects of our lives. It is a gift from God, not something we can achieve on our own. The choice we make—to follow God's path or our own—sets the course of our lives, shapes our character, and secures a successful conclusion to our lives.

The psalmist emphasizes the importance of delighting in and meditating on God's Word. This is not about checking off a box on a Bible reading plan but about allowing God's Word to shape and transform us. It is about orienting our lives around God, letting His Word capture our hearts and minds.

Choosing God's path may not always lead to worldly success or happiness, but it leads to true prosperity and fulfillment. It is a choice that requires us to die to ourselves and embrace the life God offers. As we root ourselves in Christ, we find strength, stability, and true happiness, regardless of our circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

- True happiness is not found in fleeting resolutions or material possessions but in a life oriented around God. Psalm 1 teaches us that delighting in and meditating on God's Word leads to a blessed life. This choice sets the course of our lives and shapes our character. [06:56]

- The pursuit of happiness often involves superficial and temporary solutions. However, Psalm 1 presents a deeper, more meaningful path to happiness through a relationship with God. This path requires us to choose between our way and God's way, with lasting consequences. [12:57]

- Delighting in God's Word involves more than just reading it; it requires meditating on it and allowing it to transform us. This process shapes our character and aligns us with God's will, leading to true happiness and fulfillment. [19:41]

- The choice to follow God is not a one-time decision but a continual commitment. It involves dying to ourselves and embracing the life God offers. This choice secures a successful conclusion to our lives, rooted in Christ's eternal life. [27:56]

- True prosperity and happiness are not defined by worldly success but by a life rooted in Christ. As we meditate on God's Word and delight in His presence, we find strength and stability, regardless of our circumstances. [35:35]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - Introduction and New Year Reflections
[02:04] - The Pursuit of Happiness
[03:29] - Resolutions and Their Shortcomings
[05:03] - The Search for True Happiness
[06:08] - Introduction to Psalm 1
[06:56] - The Choice for True Happiness
[07:46] - The Blessed Life Described
[09:18] - The Meaning of Being Blessed
[12:03] - The Two Paths: Righteousness vs. Wickedness
[12:57] - The Influence of Our Surroundings
[14:47] - The Progression of Influence
[16:54] - Delighting in God's Word
[19:41] - Meditating on God's Law
[24:08] - The Importance of Being Rooted in Christ
[27:56] - The Cost of True Happiness
[35:35] - The Conclusion of Our Choices
[42:00] - Prayer and Communion

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 1

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#### Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 1, what are the characteristics of the person who is truly happy or blessed? How does this person relate to God's law? [07:46]

2. What metaphor does the psalmist use to describe the life of a righteous person, and what does this metaphor imply about their spiritual life? [07:46]

3. How does the psalmist contrast the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous in Psalm 1? [07:46]

4. In the sermon, what examples are given of superficial pursuits of happiness that people often chase after? [03:29]

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#### Interpretation Questions

1. What does it mean to "delight in the law of the Lord" and how might this differ from simply reading the Bible? [19:41]

2. The sermon mentions that true happiness is a gift from God and not something we can achieve on our own. How does this perspective challenge common cultural views on happiness? [10:04]

3. How does the metaphor of a tree planted by streams of water in Psalm 1 illustrate the concept of spiritual stability and growth? [29:32]

4. The sermon discusses the choice between following God's path and our own. What are some potential consequences of each choice according to the sermon? [12:57]

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#### Application Questions

1. Reflect on your current pursuits for happiness. Are there any that resemble the "twisted logic" mentioned in the sermon? How can you reorient these pursuits towards God? [02:04]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of meditating on God's Word. What practical steps can you take to incorporate meditation on Scripture into your daily routine? [19:41]

3. Consider the influences in your life. Are there any that might be leading you away from God's path? How can you address these influences to align more closely with God's will? [13:57]

4. The sermon suggests that true happiness involves dying to oneself. What does this look like in your life, and what specific areas might require you to surrender control to God? [27:56]

5. How can you cultivate a deeper delight in God's Word, similar to the way one might delight in a new relationship? What changes might this require in your daily habits or mindset? [19:41]

6. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually stable and rooted. What contributed to that stability, and how can you replicate those conditions in your current spiritual journey? [29:32]

7. The sermon concludes with a call to choose God's path over our own. What specific steps can you take this week to ensure your choices reflect this commitment? [42:00]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: True Happiness Through God-Centered Living

True happiness is not found in fleeting resolutions or material possessions but in a life oriented around God. Psalm 1 teaches us that delighting in and meditating on God's Word leads to a blessed life. This choice sets the course of our lives and shapes our character. [06:56] True happiness is not a temporary emotional high or a result of achieving personal goals. Instead, it is a profound state of being that comes from aligning our lives with God's will. Psalm 1 illustrates this by contrasting two paths: one that leads to life and fulfillment through God, and another that leads to emptiness and instability. The truly happy person is like a tree planted by streams of water, deeply rooted and flourishing. This imagery emphasizes the stability and nourishment that come from a life centered on God. As we begin a new year, let us focus on cultivating a relationship with God, allowing His Word to guide and transform us.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to orient your life more fully around God and His Word?


Day 2: The Deeper Path to Happiness

The pursuit of happiness often involves superficial and temporary solutions. However, Psalm 1 presents a deeper, more meaningful path to happiness through a relationship with God. This path requires us to choose between our way and God's way, with lasting consequences. [12:57] In our quest for happiness, we often chase after things that promise immediate gratification but fail to satisfy our deepest longings. Psalm 1 challenges us to consider a different approach—one that involves a deliberate choice to follow God's way. This choice is not always easy, as it may go against societal norms or personal desires. However, it leads to a life of true fulfillment and purpose. The psalmist warns that the path of the wicked is like chaff blown away by the wind, highlighting the futility of a life lived apart from God. By choosing God's path, we embrace a journey that leads to eternal significance and joy.

Proverbs 14:12 (ESV): "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. Was it aligned with God's way or your own? How can you ensure your future choices reflect God's path?


Day 3: Transformation Through God's Word

Delighting in God's Word involves more than just reading it; it requires meditating on it and allowing it to transform us. This process shapes our character and aligns us with God's will, leading to true happiness and fulfillment. [19:41] Engaging with God's Word is not a mere intellectual exercise or a task to check off a list. It is an invitation to let Scripture penetrate our hearts and minds, transforming us from the inside out. The psalmist describes the blessed person as one who meditates on God's law day and night, suggesting a continuous and intentional engagement with Scripture. This meditation allows God's truths to take root in our lives, influencing our thoughts, actions, and decisions. As we immerse ourselves in God's Word, we become more attuned to His voice and more aligned with His purposes, experiencing the deep joy and peace that come from living in harmony with Him.

Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: How can you incorporate meditation on God's Word into your daily routine? What specific passage will you focus on this week?


Day 4: The Ongoing Commitment to Follow God

The choice to follow God is not a one-time decision but a continual commitment. It involves dying to ourselves and embracing the life God offers. This choice secures a successful conclusion to our lives, rooted in Christ's eternal life. [27:56] Following God requires more than a momentary decision; it is a lifelong journey of surrender and obedience. This path involves daily choices to deny our selfish desires and embrace the abundant life that God offers. The psalmist emphasizes the importance of being rooted in Christ, drawing strength and nourishment from Him. As we commit to this path, we experience the transformative power of God's grace, which enables us to live with purpose and hope. This ongoing commitment shapes our character and prepares us for the eternal life that awaits us in Christ.

Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to renew your commitment to follow God? How can you take a step in that direction today?


Day 5: True Prosperity in Christ

True prosperity and happiness are not defined by worldly success but by a life rooted in Christ. As we meditate on God's Word and delight in His presence, we find strength and stability, regardless of our circumstances. [35:35] In a world that often equates prosperity with wealth and status, Psalm 1 offers a different perspective. True prosperity is found in a life deeply rooted in Christ, where our identity and worth are anchored in Him. This prosperity is not dependent on external circumstances but is a result of our relationship with God. As we delight in His Word and presence, we experience a peace and joy that transcends our situations. This stability allows us to weather life's storms with confidence, knowing that our foundation is secure in Christ.

1 Timothy 6:6-7 (ESV): "But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world."

Reflection: How do you define prosperity in your life? In what ways can you shift your focus from worldly success to being rooted in Christ?

Quotes

"Blessed is the man, the person, who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers. Scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away." [00:07:34] (35 seconds)


"The choice the psalmist offers us is a simple one. Do we live our lives for ourselves? Do we live our lives for God? If we choose the former, we might find happiness for a time. We might even have success, but it won't last. If we choose the latter, we may suffer. Actually, Jesus says we will suffer. We may not be successful in the way that we normally think of success. We may live in obscurity, but we can, the psalmist says, be truly happy." [00:08:48] (45 seconds)


"Being blessed or truly happy is actually the gift of God. It is not a state we get to or can achieve on our own. And we see this in this psalm. Instinctively know that it's true, but if you're at all like me, you keep looking for loopholes, right? Because you'd like to be spiritual, but also have control. But we have to make a choice. We want happiness on our terms, and the psalmist says that's not going to work. You've got to choose." [00:10:45] (37 seconds)


"This is not a you do you situation or a just follow your heart situation. This is a choice between our way or God's way. And our way may look lots of different ways, but it's still fundamentally different than God's way. And the psalm says or starts, by looking at what? What the righteous person, the truly happy person, is not. What we choose not to be. We do not go along with the wicked, he says." [00:12:57] (36 seconds)


"The language here indicates an ongoing action, a pattern of life, and the things that influence us. Whose ideas are we listening to? Who do we surround ourselves with? What do we participate in? Do we even recognize that we're being formed by the things around us in big ways and in small ways every day? And this poetry here has a progression, right? We see walk and then stand and then sit." [00:14:07] (40 seconds)


"In contrast, the blessed man, the happy woman, is described as having two different aspects when related to God's word. First, he delights in the Lord's instruction. This is something that sets the... the course of our lives. What do we delight in? Not what do we feel is important in the moment. Not necessarily the thing that will make us happy right now. The psalmist talks of the Lord's instruction." [00:17:30] (38 seconds)


"People who delight in a thing, whatever that thing is, maybe sometimes some of the details are not the happiest things for us. And sometimes we don't delight. Read David's Psalms. He has no problem expressing grief and anger and misery and complaint. And sometimes we're going to stumble and sometimes we're going to make the wrong choices. But the issue is, we don't always feel happy." [00:19:25] (25 seconds)


"This is not an, I read the Bible today so I can check the box on the new Bible reading plan I just started this last week. Oh, and I missed the day already. No, this is not a, I read the Bible today so I can check the box on the new Bible reading plan I This is not about, I got to finally read the Bible in a year. Not a bad idea, but that's not what we're talking about here. This is about letting it sink into us." [00:21:39] (31 seconds)


"Delighting and meditating on God. God's word gives us the things that we need to become what we are supposed to be. The psalmist says we become a tree planted by a river. Flowing streams, we read. And that metaphor matters. The psalmist and his original audience were desert people. They understood the significance of water in ways that we often just take for granted." [00:29:12] (32 seconds)


"The blessed person is not a wild tree. It's not alone, not subject to the vagaries of weather and chance. No, this is a person who has been planted by a gardener who has and gives perfect placement. A tree planted by a river doesn't have to worry if the rains don't come because water is abundant. Growth is guaranteed, we read. Leaves don't die. Fruit comes when it's supposed to come. When the storm comes, the tree is healthy." [00:30:04] (34 seconds)


"True happiness, blessedness, the psalmist says, comes from a character formed by God himself. What? What we are rooted in forms us and becomes part of us. I got some Walnut from my dad that I think came from some trees harvested from Sugar Rove, maybe even in the early 1980s. And in this, in these Walnut boards, there's flecks that almost seem gold. And the nearest we can figure is that the soil was kind of sandy." [00:33:09] (41 seconds)


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Transcript
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