Be Happy - How To Be Joyful No Matter What Series

The mom says, “Son, go a play for a while, and when I’m finished, I will let you see it from my side.”

Finally the boy saw it – from the right side – and he saw a beautiful flower by a sunset. He could not believe it, because from underneath it looked so messy.

God has a design. We cannot fully see everything in its beauty from this side of heaven. But one day we will, when we see it from His perspective.

(2) I NEED A PRIORITY TO LIVE BY

When things get tough, I need to be clear what is really important and what is not.

I want to distinguish the trivial from the significant.

• It’s like the famous Bible commentator Matthew Henry, who said after he was robbed, “Thank God, though they took my money, they did not take my life!”

• You can live your life bored down by trivial matters (usually the problems), or be driven by the significant things of life (the matters of great priority).

• Either you decide what's important in your life or you let other people decide what's important.

• If you don't choose your priorities, you'll go around putting out one fire after another, living your life simply from problem to problem, to problem and not choosing what's important.

Look at 1:15-17. Paul says there are “competitors” outside criticising him and attacking his ministry.

• They are doing it out of envy and rivalry, out of selfish ambition, wanting to stir up trouble for me.

• If you want something to steal your joy quicker than anything else, just listen to all the criticism people are throwing up against you.

1:18 “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”

Paul says he is not going to let anyone steal his joy; not circumstances nor critics.

• He said their motives may be wrong, their style may be wrong, but if the message is getting out, so what?

• 1:18 “But what does it matter?” This is the only question in this whole book. It is a question of priority. We do not want to major on the minor. Some things are just not worth quarrelling about or losing sleep over. There’ll be differences but so let them be.

• Paul had set his priorities clear, and will not let criticisms or rivalry steal his joy.

Learn this, don’t let petty things ruin your day and rob you of joy. It’s not worth it. Don’t have to lose sleep over them.

• Differences will always exist. LESSON: Don’t major on the minor things of life. Let them go.

• Focus on what really counts. Know what is important.

(3) I NEED A POWER TO LIVE ON

I need strength to make it and to keep on going.

• Problems can wear you out, and drain you completely. One crisis after another can really cripple you, if you have no outside help.

• You need a fresh power supply.

1:19-20 “I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body…”