Preach "The King Has Come" 3-Part Series this week!
Preach Christmas week
True happiness is found not in worldly pursuits, but in a relationship with God and delighting in His Word.
Good morning, Church Family! Today we're going to be diving into Psalm 1, a passage that talks about true happiness and the blessings that flow from it. In our search for happiness, we often look in the wrong places, don't we? We chase after money, power, or popularity, thinking that they'll make us happy. But the Bible tells us that true happiness isn't found in worldly things—it's found in God and His Word.
I'm reminded of a quote from C.S. Lewis, "God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." Isn't that powerful? Ultimately, our joy, our happiness, comes from our relationship with God.
So let's read Psalm 1 together.
[Read passage]
Let's pray.
Heavenly Father, as we delve into Your Word together today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds. Help us understand what true happiness is, where it comes from, and how we can cultivate it in our lives. Let us be like trees planted by the water, drawing our strength and joy from You. Amen.
Are you ready, Church? Let's explore what Psalm 1 teaches us about true happiness!
True happiness: As defined by the Bible, it’s a deep-seated joy and contentment that is rooted in our relationship with God. It is not a fleeting emotion or a temporary state of mind that is dependent on our circumstances, but a constant and enduring sense of well-being that comes from knowing and serving God. This is the kind of happiness that Psalm 1 talks about, and it is the kind of happiness that every Christian should aspire to.
The Bible tells us that true happiness is not found in worldly things: It is not found in wealth, power, or popularity. These things may bring us temporary pleasure, but they cannot give us lasting happiness. They are like a mirage in the desert, promising satisfaction but leaving us thirsty and unsatisfied. The more we chase after them, the more elusive they become.
Not found in the company of the wicked or in the ways of sinners: It is not found in the pursuit of selfish desires or in the gratification of sinful passions. These things may seem attractive and enticing, but they lead to destruction and death. They are like a poisoned chalice, sweet to the taste but deadly in its effects.
True happiness is found in the law of the Lord: It is found in the Word of God, in the teachings and commandments of the Bible. The person who delights in the law of the Lord, who meditates on it day and night, is like a tree planted by streams of water. This person is nourished and sustained by the Word of God, and they bear fruit in due season. Their leaf does not wither, and whatever they do prospers.
This is a beautiful and powerful image: It speaks of a life that is deeply rooted in God, a life that is fruitful and flourishing. It speaks of a life that is resilient and enduring, a life that is blessed and prosperous. This is the life that God wants for us, and this is the life that brings true happiness.
A byproduct of a right relationship with God: It is the fruit of a life that is lived in obedience to God's Word. It is the result of a heart that is filled with the love of God, a heart that delights in the law of the Lord. It is not something that we can achieve on our own, but something that God gives to those who seek Him and serve Him.
True happiness is not a goal to be pursued, but a gift to be received: It is not a prize to be won, but a blessing to be enjoyed. It is not a destination to be reached, but a journey to be embarked upon. It is not a state of mind to be attained, but a way of life to be embraced.
What it’s not: True happiness is not about having everything we want, but about wanting everything we have. It is not about getting what we desire, but about desiring what we get. It is not about being served, but about serving others. It is not about being loved, but about loving others.
Not about being happy with ourselves: It’s about being happy with God. It is not about being satisfied with what we have done, but about being satisfied with what God has done for us. It is not about being content with our achievements, but about being content with God's grace and mercy.
True happiness is about God: It is about knowing Him, loving Him, serving Him, and glorifying Him. It is about being in a right relationship with Him, living in obedience to His Word, and delighting in His law. It is about being like a tree planted by streams of water, drawing our strength and joy from Him.
Finding happiness in our lives is a journey that begins and ends with God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO