Youth Sermon: The Pursuit of Happiness

Intro

You know what's funny? We've been chasing happiness in the USA for 248 years. But are we any closer to finding it? It seems like we're less happy now than we were 250 years ago. Instead of happiness, we see stress, anxiety, anger, and despair. So, what's up with that?

We've been chasing happiness in the USA for 248 years. But are we any closer to finding it?

Object Lesson

Imagine you're on a treadmill. You're running and running, but you're not getting anywhere. That's what it's like when we chase after happiness. We're constantly moving, but we're not getting any closer to what we want.

Main Points

We've started to believe that we deserve to be happy, not just that we have the right to pursue it. This has led to a society filled with lawsuits, resentment, grievances, and victimization.

We're constantly bombarded with ads that tell us we should be unhappy and that happiness is just one purchase away. This leads to a society of cleaner, healthier, and wealthier people, but not necessarily happier ones.

Part of our unhappiness comes from God Himself. After the Fall, God allowed us to feel unsatisfied in our pursuit of pleasure, wealth, and power, hoping we'd realize these things can't bring lasting satisfaction and turn back to Him.

In the story of the Exodus, God led the people out of slavery in Egypt. He gave them identity, security, and the promise of a homeland. But they constantly complained and grumbled, even after seeing God's miracles. They learned that getting what they wanted didn't bring lasting happiness.

Life Application

So, how do we get off this treadmill? How do we find true happiness?

Say thank you even when you don't feel it. Practice gratitude, just like we teach little kids to say thank you when they get a gift.

Gain some perspective. Our outlook on life greatly affects how we feel.

Think about what you do have. Remember that you're made in the image of God, loved by Him, part of His family, and gifted to make a unique contribution to His work.

Learn to delight in imperfect gifts. Accept that everything and everyone in our lives is slightly imperfect. God chooses to delight in us, flaws and all.

Conclusion

God is watching us from heaven, looking to see where our security lies and where our hope is placed. Our true contentment and happiness can only be found in God. Let's pray together.

Our true contentment and happiness can only be found in God.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. Why do you think people are often discontented despite having more than they need?

2. How does our society's focus on material wealth and success contribute to this discontentment?

3. How can we find true contentment and happiness in God?

4. What are some practical ways to cultivate a grateful heart?

5. How can we help each other as a group to focus more on God and less on worldly pursuits?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
• Group Activity: Exodus Role-Play
• Youth Challenge: Gratitude Journal Challenge