HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 159
page A157
can count on we have to keep feeding ourselves with events to keep us upbeat. Those
who know the joy that comes from God don’t need events or happenings to keep them
happy. They learn how to develop inner joy through a personal relationship with God;
it’s not based on what but on who. The relationship continues as we share happiness
with others. Happiness is one of the few things that is not subtracted from us when it
is added to others. Enthusiasm is a by-product of happiness. It is your reactions to life
around you based on a sincerely happy and joyful heart. Do you lack enthusiasm? It
may mean you have lost your sense of purpose, that you don’t know or have forgotten
what you are living for. It may also mean that you’ve become bogged down by the
details of life, too busy to stop and enjoy the wonder all around you. The new person in
Christ should indeed be enthusiastic, for something special has happened with eternal
substance.
Does God promise me happiness?
• PH I L I PP I A NS 4 :4 , 1 2 | Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! . . . I have
learned the secret of living in every situation.
God does not promise temporary happiness; in fact, the Bible assumes problems will
come our way. But God does promise lasting happiness for all those who believe in him.
This kind of happiness stays with us despite our problems. God wants us to be happy
now and for all eternity.
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• J A ME S 1 :2 | When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for
great joy.
• H E B R E W S 1 2 :2 | We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus. . . . Because of the joy awaiting
him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.
Keep your eyes on Jesus.
• PSA L M 1 1 2 :1 | How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.
• PSA L M 1 1 9 :3 5 | Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my
happiness is found. (See note on page 543.)
Fear God and trust in him; delight in doing his commands.
• PSA L M 1 6 :8 -9 | I know the Lord is always with me. . . . No wonder my heart is glad.
Happiness is based on God’s presence within us, which brings true contentment.
• G A L AT I A NS 5 :2 2 | But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy.
The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives produces joy.
• PH I L I PP I A NS 1 :2 5 | I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of
you grow and experience the joy of your faith.
Faith in God brings happiness, for God has promised that when we truly seek him, we will
surely find him (Jeremiah 29:13-14).
• MAT T H E W 2 5 :2 1 | ‘You have been faithful in handling this small amount. . . . Let’s celebrate
together!’
A job well done brings a deep sense of satisfaction and is an occasion for joy.
How can I be happy during difficult circumstances?
• 2 C O R I NT H I A NS 1 2 :1 0 | That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults,
hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I
am strong.
• 1 PE T E R 4 :1 2 -1 3 | Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going
through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these
trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful
joy of seeing his glory.
Difficult circumstances help us better understand what Christ went through for us and
make us partners with him.
HelpFinder
Where do I find real and lasting happiness?