How to be Happy (6 keys)
by Stephen Coffin
Read 1 Peter 1v3-9
- God wants us to be "filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy"(1Peter1v9)
- This is not dependant on what happens (as the word “happiness” implies), but can be enjoyed even when suffering
- Such happiness comes from realising how much God has blessed us; for example 1 Peter 1v3-9 mentions:
- New birth into a living hope
- An inheritance kept in heaven for us
- We are shielded by God's power
- We are receiving the salvation of our souls
- Peter says the result of realising all God has done for us is: “you love him… you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy”
Key 1: Realise how much God has blessed you
Key 2: Make love for God your chief aim
- "I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure." (Psalm 16v8-9)
- "Seek your happiness in the Lord and he will give you your heart’s desire." (Psalm 37:4 GNB)
- "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6v33)
Read two parables of Jesus… Matthew 13v31-33. They teach that we must
Key 3: Let God's presence & rule spread through every aspect of our life
- We limit God too much by our lack of commitment. Contrast Habakkuk:
- “Though … the fields produce no food … yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.“ (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
Key 4: Let the Holy Spirit work within you to grow true happiness in you
- "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…" (Galatians 5v22)
Key 5: Cooperate with God's perfect plans & the nature he has given you
- "The Lord will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures for ever." (Psalm 138v8 NLB)
- "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4v10)
- What gifts has God given you? What do you enjoy doing?
Key 6: Love other people, Christians & neighbours
- "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4v8)
