HOW CAN I BE HAPPY?
Answering Life’s Toughest Questions
Ecclesiastes 6:6 (TLB) “Though a man lives a thousand years twice over but doesn’t find contentment — what’s the use?”
SOLOMON’S SEARCH FOR SATISFACTION.
“I decided to enjoy myself and find out what happiness is…” Ecclesiastes 2:1 (GNT)
- Education doesn’t satisfy
“… I am better educated than any of the kings before me … [but] the more my wisdom, the more my grief…” Ecclesiastes 1:16-18 (TLB)
- Pleasure doesn’t satisfy.
“I tested pleasure… and laughter… I tried cheering myself with wine, and having a good time … I acquired a harem … I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure… But it proved to be meaningless …” Ecclesiastes 2: 1-3, 8, 10-11 (NIV)
- Achievement doesn’t satisfy
“Then I tried to find fulfillment by inaugurating a great public works program; homes, gardens, parks… reservoirs … But I turned in despair from hard work as the answer to my search for satisfaction.” Ecclesiastes 2:4-5,20 (TLB)
- Wealth doesn’t satisfy
“… I owned more livestock than anyone else… I piled up silver and gold. In the cultural arts, I organized men’s and women’s choirs and orchestras.” Ecclesiastes 2: 7-8(GNT; TLB)
- Success doesn’t satisfy
“I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me… Yet when I surveyed all I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless … under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:12, 14(NIV)
“So I hated life…” Ecclesiastes 2:17 (NIV)
JESUS’ KEYS TO HAPPINESS (MATTHEW 5:3-10).
- ________________________ God!
“How happy are those who know their need is for God!” Matthew 5:3
- ___________________________ God when life is disappointing.
“Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them!” Matthew 5:4 (GNT)
- ___________________________ God to meet my needs.
“Happy are those who claim nothing, for the whole earth belongs to them!” Matthew 5:5 (PHILLIPS)
- ___________________________ God’s instructions.
“Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully!” Matthew 5:6 (GNT)
“God has richly given us everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17
- Cultivate a _________________________ heart.
“Happy are the kind and merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7 (TLB)
- Maintain a __________________________ conscience.
“Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God.” Matthew 5:8
- Build ________________________ relationships.
“Happy are the peacemakers.” Matthew 5:9
- Live with an _______________________ perspective.
“Happy are those who are persecuted because they are good … a tremendous reward awaits you in heaven.” Matthew 5:10; 12 (TLB)
“Seek your happiness in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desire.” Psalm 37:4