This is a 15 lesson series on "Keys to Happiness" We'll not only discuss the secrets to attaining happiness, but also provide daily exercises which are a crucial part in that transformational process.
15 Keys to Happiness!
The feeling of joy and happiness can be illusive and even if one achieves it, can a hard thing to hold on to in this world, especially, if we look for happiness in the usual places like material things.
I remember when I first came to the US from Austria. More than anything, I wanted to succeed. I heard about how in America anything is possible, how anyone can live the American dream. That’s when I first got into advertising. I loved what I was doing and I worked very hard to become successful. I became one of the top ad sales people in our company and I achieved what most people would consider great success.
That’s when I first started to realize that having success in the usual sense wasn’t what it was cracked up to be. As I made more and more money, I was able to buy many things, I came to the same conclusion that many people before me who have money, houses, cars, etc. have come to and that is that happiness has little or nothing to do with how much money we have or how big of house we live in.
So what are the keys to happiness? In the next 15 weeks we’ll take a look at 15 keys to happiness starting with what I believe is the most important key and the foundation of happiness.
#1 Key to happiness - A relationship with God
I believe that having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ is the most important key to finding happiness.
“In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore”. Psalms 16:11 (NKJV)
Knowing the one who made you, who planned your every feature and personality trait, who saw every day of your life before the foundation of the world – knowing this one is truly the cornerstone and the foundation of happiness.
There are several reasons why we experience happiness through a relationship with God. Through this relationship, we find our origin, purpose, and destiny, which is a pre-requisite to happiness (Read Gen. 1; Eccl. 12:13 and Matt. 25: 46).
It’s part of our DNA and how we were made.
A bicycle is meant to have wheel s, without which it won’t work
As humans, we’re meant to have deep emotional connections with others, without which there will be a void in our lives that can’t be replaced by anything else.
A baby is meant to have a mom and a dad who loves and cares for them, without which the baby will grow into a person with psychological issues through much of their lives.
When we ignore our need for God, life does not seem to work correctly. In the same way as the above examples, God made us to have relationship with Him. In a sense, God completes us. When we choose to ignore that relationship, we fight against nature and our purpose and therefore elude happiness.
The Bible also says…“and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. Phil 4:6-7 (NKJV)
“Happy are the people whose God is the LORD”! Psalms 144:15 (NKJV)
"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full”. John 15:11 (NKJV)
Some people mistakenly believe that when we become Christians, we will not have any more problems. The Bible clearly tells us that we will have trouble in this life. The good news is that when we have a relationship with him, God becomes our great comforter in times of trouble. Also check out my article on “Why do bad things happen to good people!” on our website.
”these things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
John 16:33 (NKJV)
“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”. Psalms 73:25-26 (NKJV)
“Remember the word to Your servant, Upon which You have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life”. Psalms 119:49-50 (NKJV)
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me”. Psalms 23:1-4 (NKJV)
For additional verses check out our article on “Comfort”.
The biggest reason to start a relationship with God thru Jesus His Son, the one and only Savior Messiah, is not for happiness…that is just a by-product. The biggest reason to accept Jesus as our savior is because He was the only One capable of paying our ransom. There will be a judgment day. On that day, we will all be judged for our sins. He does not use a sliding scale but judges by his perfect standard. There is only one way to have a perfect record…it’s not by being a good person (check out “Are you a good person” – A test), but to accept His Son, Jesus as your savior. He has paid the price for our sins, however, we need to accept that gift in order to receive it. Once we accept Jesus as our Savior, there is a peace and happiness that comes from knowing that regardless of what disappointments or losses we face here on earth, or eternity is secure. This is a peace like no other…in good and in bad times.
Key #1 to happiness – Daily Exercises:
Put the following exercises into your routine daily…even multiple times per day for the next two weeks.
· Pray to God to reveal himself to you (God answers prayer)
· Ask Jesus to come into your heart (read the articles on “Salvation” below and let us know if you made a decision for Christ)
· Get a Bible and start reading it daily
· Find a bible teaching church (see link below)
· Feel free to e-mail us with questions
For more on what it takes to be saved check out:
Salvation – Questions and answers
Salvation – What it takes to be saved
Who is Jesus
Repentance – Key 1 to salvation
How to find a church
Are you a good person – A test
See bio area for link to website
May God answer your prayers – Amen!
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