SUMMER OF HAPPINESS

Does God want you to be happy? I believe God does.

The Time Magazine “Happiness Index” shows that only 31 out of 100 Americans are happy. The poll asked questions about such things as finances, family, health, work, leisure and spirituality. The attempt was to cover all aspects of our lives. After talking about the contrasting times of life, the author of Ecclesiastes writes, “I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live” (Eccl 3:12).

In the New Testament, “Blessed” and “Happy” are often used to translate the same Greek word. It lets us know that happiness is more than just pleasure or feeling good. Happiness is a deep sense of contentment and joy in all the stages and events of life. God wants us to be blessed, happy. Of course, the principal term for happiness in the Bible is JOY. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice” (Phil 4:4). True happiness is found in our connection with the Lord. The Psalmist wrote, “Happy the people whose God is the Lord!” (Ps 144:15b). Our relationship with God will bring true happiness.

This summer my sermons will look at the true happiness that is found in our relationship with Jesus.

Pastor Steve