Being Happy As A Christian

Introduction:
A. What would you say if someone ask you if you were happy 
   with your life today? Could you say that you are truly 
   happy? What would you say if I told you there is no pos-
   sible way to find happiness in this world? The only true 
   happiness must come from above.
B. Epictetus, a slave in the time of Nero, is reported to 
   have said, "If a man is unhappy, remember that his un-
   happiness is his own fault, for God made all men to be 
   happy."
C. While some might argue with the above statements, a close 
   examination of God's word will show them to be true.

I. False Reasons For Happiness
   A. Possessions
      1. Solomon attained all that he desired, yet did not 
         find happiness - Eccl. 2:10ff
      2. More recent illustrations of those who had "every-
         thing" yet were still unhappy might be.
         a. Howard Hughes
         b. J. Paul Getty
      3. 1 Tim 6:9-10
   B. Circumstances
      1. Circumstances in life change.
         a. Sometimes they are good.
         b. Other times they are not as good.
      2. To build our happiness upon them is volatile - 
         Lk 6:25
      3. 1 Tim 6:6
   C. Ignoring Misery and Suffering
      1. 2 Timothy 3:12
      2. Psalm 30:5
      3. Matthew 5:4
         a. The true standard for happiness demands that we 
            accept painful reality
         b. And view it as a spiritual opportunity
   D. Some think pleasure equals Happiness - Proverbs 
      14:12-13
   E. Aggressive Search For It
      1. Instead of trying so hard to be happy, we should try 
         hard to deserve happiness.
      2. Happiness is like a butterfly.  If you try to catch 
         it, it is always just out of reach.  But if you'll 
         just calmly enjoy life, it will come and light upon 
         your shoulder.
   F. These are not the ways to be happy.  If one is to find 
      true happiness, he must rise above these worldly ideas 
      and seek the happiness that comes from above.
   G. Results of seeking happiness through this world's means 
      - Job 20:5ff

II.True Reasons For Happiness Found In Being A Christian
   A. Temporal reasons:
      1. Godly associations - Psalm 133:1
         a. Happiness is like perfume.  If you put it on 
            others, you can't help but get a little on 
            yourself.
         b. Happiness come from giving of yourself to others.
      2. We've been given instructions in living a clean, 
         moral life - Psalm 128:1
      3. Provided help in getting along in this present world 
         - John 16:20, 22, 24, 33
      4. God's help is always there - Psalm 144:15; 146:5; 
         28:7
   B. Eternal Reasons:
      1. Escape from eternal damnation - Lk. 13:28
      2. The comfort and peace that comes from salvation.
         a. "The grand essentials to happiness in this life 
            are something to do, something to love; and some-
            thing to hope for." - Joseph Addison
         b. Rom 5:1-2
         c. Phil 4:7
         d. 1 Cor 3:15
      3. Eternal reward that awaits us.
         a. Matthew 5:12
         b. Psalm 126:5-6
         c. Luke 10:20
         d. "By heaven we understand a state of happiness 
            infinite in degree, and endless in duration." - 
            Franklin
         e. Immeasureable joy of heaven
            (1). Psalm 16:11
            (2). Isaiah 33:17
            (3). 2 Cor. 5:1
         f. Hebrews 11:10,16
         g. There will be found true happiness - Rev 21:1-4.

Conclusion:
A. We often go through life searching for happiness, only to 
   be disappointed and never to find it.  There was a song a 
   few years back by Johnnie Lee entitled "Looking for Love in
   All the Wrong Places." Usually that is the way we go about 
   trying to find happiness.  We look for it in all the wrong
   places.
B. Happiness does not come form being someplace or even in 
   being with someone.  Happiness is a state of mind that 
   comes from knowing that God is my friend.
   1. Proverbs 29:6
   2. Psalm 71:23