True Happiness: Rooted in God’s Presence and Word

True happiness is a longing that runs deep in every human heart, yet so often we chase after it in all the wrong places. The world tells us that happiness is found in wealth, success, or the approval of others, but Scripture paints a different picture. Psalm 1 opens the door to a richer, more lasting joy—a happiness rooted not in circumstances, but in the presence and instruction of God. The psalmist describes a person who is truly blessed, not because of what they possess, but because of where they walk, where they stand, and where they sit. The blessed life is marked by intentional choices: refusing the counsel of the ungodly, standing firm on godly principles, and choosing associations that add value and encouragement rather than toxicity.

This happiness is not passive; it is cultivated by delighting in the law of the Lord and meditating on it day and night. The Word of God is not just a book to be quoted, but a living manual for life, shaping our thoughts, our actions, and our responses to every season. When we root ourselves in God’s Word, we become like trees planted by streams of water—stable, fruitful, enduring, and prosperous in all the ways that matter most. The psalmist contrasts this with the instability of the ungodly, whose lives are like chaff blown away by the wind, lacking substance and lasting impact.

True happiness, then, is not about the absence of problems or the abundance of possessions, but about the presence of God and the alignment of our lives with His ways. It is found in the daily, sometimes difficult, choices to walk in wisdom, stand on truth, and surround ourselves with those who encourage us toward godliness. As we journey through the Psalms, we are invited to make their prayers and praises our own, allowing God’s Word to saturate our spirits and transform our pursuit of happiness into a life of deep, abiding joy.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Happiness Begins with Where You Walk, Stand, and Sit The path to true happiness starts with intentional choices about the influences you allow in your life. Refusing the counsel of the ungodly, standing firm on godly principles, and choosing associations that build you up are foundational. Your walk, your stand, and your company shape your destiny far more than your circumstances do. [64:04]
• 2. Delight and Meditation in God’s Word Transforms You Happiness is not a fleeting feeling but a byproduct of delighting in God’s instruction and meditating on it continually. The Word of God is not meant to be memorized for show, but to be internalized and lived out, shaping your character and responses. As you meditate on Scripture, it becomes a source of wisdom, stability, and joy that the world cannot offer. [89:13]
• 3. Your Associations Determine Your Altitude The people you surround yourself with either add value or drain your spirit. Scripture urges us to evaluate our relationships, seeking out those who encourage, support, and walk with us through life’s valleys. Cutting off toxic influences is not just about self-preservation, but about making room for the kind of community that fosters spiritual growth and happiness. [82:33]
• 4. Fruitfulness and Stability Flow from Deep Roots in God Like a tree planted by streams of water, those who root themselves in God’s Word experience stability, fruitfulness, longevity, and prosperity—not always in material terms, but in the things that truly matter. Seasons of drought or difficulty will come, but deep roots in God’s truth ensure that your life remains vibrant and productive. [96:43]
• 5. The Contrast Between the Godly and the Ungodly is Stark and Eternal The psalmist draws a clear line between the enduring joy of the righteous and the instability of the ungodly. While the world may envy the apparent success of those who disregard God, their lives are ultimately like chaff—temporary and insubstantial. God knows the way of the righteous, and in Him, our happiness is secure both now and forever. [105:40]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [10:57] - Opening Worship and Prayer
• [31:53] - Centering on God’s Glory
• [44:05] - A Prayer for Heart Change
• [46:11] - The True Purpose of Worship
• [48:47] - Introduction to the Psalms
• [52:06] - The Pursuit of Happiness: Worldly and Biblical Views
• [57:30] - Reading and Reflecting on Psalm 1
• [64:04] - How You Walk, Stand, and Sit
• [71:38] - Standing on Godly Principles
• [78:12] - The Power of Associations
• [83:53] - Delighting in God’s Law
• [89:13] - Meditating on the Word
• [96:43] - The Blessings of Deep Roots
• [103:44] - The Contrast: Godly vs. Ungodly
• [106:55] - Invitation to Immerse in the Psalms
• [108:03] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Bible Reading

Psalm 1 (ESV) — 1 Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 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.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 1, what are the three things the blessed person does NOT do? ([58:25])
2. What does the blessed person do instead, and how often? ([58:25])
3. What imagery does the psalmist use to describe the person who delights in God’s law? ([58:25])
4. How does the psalmist describe the fate of the wicked compared to the righteous? ([58:59])

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon talked about “how you walk, stand, and sit” shaping your happiness. What do these actions represent in everyday life? ([01:04:04])
2. Why do you think the psalmist uses the image of a tree planted by streams of water to describe the righteous? What does this say about the source of true stability and fruitfulness? ([01:36:43])
3. The pastor mentioned that happiness is not about the absence of problems but about the presence of God and alignment with His ways. How does this challenge the world’s definition of happiness? ([01:00:59])
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of associations. How can the people you spend time with affect your spiritual growth and happiness? ([01:22:33])

Application Questions

1. The psalm warns against walking in the counsel of the ungodly. Are there voices or influences in your life right now that you need to stop listening to? What practical step can you take this week to limit their influence? ([01:04:04])
2. The blessed person delights in and meditates on God’s Word day and night. What is one way you can make Scripture a more regular part of your daily routine? Is there a specific time or method you want to try? ([01:29:13])
3. The sermon talked about “standing on godly principles” even when it’s hard. Can you think of a recent situation where you had to choose between what was popular and what was right? How did you respond, and what would you do differently next time? ([01:11:38])
4. The pastor encouraged us to evaluate our associations. Is there a relationship in your life that is draining your spirit or pulling you away from God? What boundaries might you need to set, or what new relationships could you pursue for encouragement? ([01:22:33])
5. The psalmist says the righteous are like trees planted by water—stable and fruitful. In what area of your life do you feel unstable or “dried out”? How can rooting yourself deeper in God’s Word help you in that area? ([01:36:43])
6. The sermon contrasted the lasting joy of the righteous with the instability of the ungodly. Are there areas where you’ve been tempted to envy the apparent success of those who don’t follow God? How can you remind yourself of what truly matters? ([01:45:40])
7. The pastor invited us to make the prayers and praises of the Psalms our own. Is there a Psalm or a verse that you want to pray or meditate on this week? How can you let it shape your attitude and actions? ([01:46:55])