BEING HAPPY IN AN UNHAPPY WORLD PART ONE
By Pastor Mark Taylor
“I have come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10).
“These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11)
In the next few sermons, the Holy Spirit wants to reveal to all of us the hidden or lost principles of happiness. There have been many books and articles written on the subject of happiness and it is my desire that the Lord will show us through His Word and the wisdom He has given others, how to “Be Happy in an Unhappy World”.
Millions of people throughout the world have become so used to not being happy that they barely even notice it. They have accepted unhappiness and think it is normal. Even great men in the Bible, like David found themselves wondering why they were unhappy at times. “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you troubled within me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” (Psalm 42:11). But notice David knew it was still possible to find happiness. Happiness is possible for all of us who love the Lord, because He has desired that quality to be in all of us.
Happiness is neither a mood nor an emotion. Happiness is a way of life. An outlook composed of qualities such as: optimism, courage, love, and fulfillment. It is amazing how quickly people can begin to change, once they start dealing with their whole lives, not just their feelings.
“Being Happy in an Unhappy World” requires some understanding and some soul work. It requires that you ask the same question David did: “What are you cast down, O my soul?”. Then it requires that you find some answers.
There is another word for happiness and that is “peace”. This is a word our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ often used. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world gives to you. Let not your heart be troubled,neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27).
Fear is the greatest enemy of happiness. Fear fits in to one of two categories:
Fear of not having enough. Fear of not being enough. There are many faces of fear - perfectionism, obsession, insecurity, shyness, guilt, and many more. We often try to make sense of our pain by assuming that it is outside forces that are causing our pain. We blame others, our jobs, the traffic, etc. It is really some inner turmoil that is causing us to have fears and be unhappy. We will discuss fear and how to deal with it in another sermon.
Your mind, body, and spirit, working together can make you happy. Sometimes when our minds and bodies are shattered by life it is only our spirit that can heal us and keep us alive.
This is why you need to be “born again”, to have the Holy Spirit guiding your spirit to overcome things that are making you unhappy. “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, who the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things.” (John 14:26).
To begin this journey of “Being Happy in an Unhappy World”, let us look at a few things we can work on to receive the happiness the Lord wants to give us.
LOVE. We often think that being loved is the best feeling in the world when the best
is loving someone else. It is the antidote to feat and the first step toward happiness.
“This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you.” (John 15:12).
Isn’t it odd that the Lord had to command us to love? That would remind us that Love is more than just a feeling, it is an action. Demonstrate your love by actions this week.
Isn’t it odd that the Lord had to command us to love? That would remind us that Love is more than just a feeling, it is an action. Demonstrate your love by actions this week.
OPTIMISM. Optimism provides power over painful events. Optimism gives you power over fear of the future and over regret for the past. God wants to remind us that he has a great future for those who love Him. “Eye has not seen, nor has ears heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things God has prepared for them that love Him.” (I Corinthians 2:9). Speak words of optimism to yourself and to others this week.
COURAGE. This is the strongest weapon for overcoming the split second power of the fear system. It is the quality that allows us to thrive instead of just survive. We have the same promise that God gave to Joshua. “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed: for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9). Step out of your comfort zone and make a decision that will make you and others happy this week.
FREEDOM. Freedom is choice, and choice is what makes us human. When we choose, we define who we are. Everyone has the power to make choices, but unhappy people don’t know they have it. Choice is available to anyone who has the courage to exercise it. The Lord Jesus Christ living in your life can give you both the desire and courage to choose happiness. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36). Remind yourself that choice is the father of freedom. Anyone can choose the course of their lives, but only happy people do it. Happy people turn away from fear and look at their options and act upon upon them. Make a “freedom choice” this week regardless of how little it is. Choose to "Be Happy".
