HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE !
IT IS AN OPTION IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. BETTER WITH IT THAN WITHOUT IT. WITHOUT IT, YOU HAVE UNHAPPINESS. UNHAPPINESS CAN MAKE YOU SICK. YOUR BODY AND YOUR MIND. UNHAPPINESS IS WHY SOME PEOPLE WONDER WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOUR MIND.
1. HAPPY IS AN OPTIONAL BLESSING FOR THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.
A. HAPPY THROUGH SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD.
Psalm 144:11-15 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace: That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets. Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.
B. HAPPY IS THE PERSON WHO KNOWS THAT THEIR FAITH IS RIGHT.
Psalms 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
C. HAPPY IS THE PERSON WHO GOES TO GOD FOR DIRECTION AND GETS HIS INSTRUCTIONS.
Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
D. HAPPY IS THE PERSON WHO STICKS WITH WHAT WORKS.
HAPPINESS COMES AS A RESULT OF TRYING TO MAKE OTHERS HAPPY. IF YOU ACTUALLY SUBMIT YOURSELF TO THE LORD AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS, YOU ARE BLESSED YOURSELF.
In Scotland I heard a preacher talking about his dog that had passed on. The dog used to go and bring in the newspaper every day. Especially when it was rainy or snowing, he would come in with huge grin, the preacher said. He was pleased with himself, that he had accomplished something that would please another. Christians should feel the same about helping others.
DON’T LET GO OF IT JUST BECAUSE YOU DON’T THINK YOU WILL NEED IT TODAY. LEARN CPR ? DON’T FORGET ABOUT IT BECAUSE YOU DIDN’T USE IT THIS WEEK !
Proverbs 3:18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
E. HAPPY BECAUSE YOU SHARE THE MERCY WHICH GOD HAS GIVEN TO YOU.
Proverbs 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
MANY OF THE POOR ARE POOR BECAUSE OF BAD DECISIONS. YET, GOD WANTS US TO SHOW MERCY. LIKE THE KIND WE OBTAINED…..BECAUSE OF OUR BAD DECISIONS.
F. HAPPY ARE THOSE WHO STAND IN PRESENCE OF WISDOM THAT COMES FROM GOD.
YOU SHOULD BE HAPPIER IN CHURCH THAN STANDING IN A BANK. EVER VISIT WASHINGTON DC, AND STAND IN THE ROTUNDA OF THE CAPTIAL BUILDING ? YOU SHOULD BE SO MUCH HAPPIER BEING IN CHURCH THAN IN THAT BUILDING, WAITING FOR IT TO COLLAPSE ON SOMEBODY.
2 Chronicles 9:7 Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.
2. THE DIFFICULT HAPPY.
A. BY NOT DOING THE WRONG THING.
Romans 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
B. BY HANGING IN THERE WHEN OTHERS WON’T.
James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
C. BY KNOWING THAT YOU ARE FALSELY ACCUSED.
(IT IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN BEING ACCUSED FOR SOMETHING THAT YOU DID DO. WHEN THEY ACCUSE YOU FALSELY, IT IS BECAUSE THEY COULDN’T FIND ANYTHING TRUE TO ACCUSE YOU OF !)
1 Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
D. BECAUSE YOU TOOK A STAND WITH THE LORD AND KNOW THAT YOU BOTH ARE ON THE SAME SIDE.
1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.