The pursuit of happiness

1. The Pursuit of Happiness- 4th
February 2016
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm37:4).
Most of us probably don’t believe we need a formal definition of happiness; we know it when
we feel it, and we often use the term to describe a range of positive emotions, including joy,
pride, contentment, and gratitude. But to understand the causes and effects of happiness,
researchers first need to define it. A psychology researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky describes
happiness as “the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a
sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.” In addition to making us feel good,
happiness actually improves many other aspects of our lives.
Happiness is good for our health because it was found that happy people were less likely to get
sick, and therefore live longer. It is also good for our relationships: Happy people are more
likely to get married and have fulfilling marriages, and they have more friends and connections
that they can draw on when faced with life’s challenges. In a US study it was found that happy
people make more money and are more productive at work and they are also found to be more
generous. Happy people cope better with stress and trauma and are also found to be more
creative and are better able to see the big picture.
As Christians we need to pursue happiness because the bible teaches us this as a requirement
for our well-being. happiness enables us to build relationships: Because social connections are
key to happiness. Studies show that close relationships, are especially important, suggesting
that we should make time for those closest to us—people in whom we can confide and who’ll
support us when we’re in some need. We can learn from Philippians 2 “In your relationships
with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).
To achieve happiness we have to learn to Give thanks to God our provider. It was found that
simply counting our blessings - not just finances - on a regular basis made us happy. It is not to
build pride on what you have in life but to be thankful to God for his wonderful; provision. We
can learn from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in
all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.
To be happy we need to learn to practice kindness: As Christians we need to be a living example
to others and therefore we need to Practice kindness: It is an attribute of God and a quality that
is desirable but not consistently found in humans. People are found to have greater happiness
when they help others through though they may initially think the opposite would be true.
Similarly, neurosciences research shows that when we do nice things for others, in a MRI scan
our brains light up in areas associated with pleasure and reward! We can learn in Romans
11:22, ”Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but
kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off”
To be happy we need to give up grudges: A Grudge is a persistent feeling of ill-will or
resentment resulting from a past insult or injury. Groundbreaking studies have shown that
when we forgive those who have wronged us, we feel better. Yes punching in the face may

2. seem better but considering possible repercussions and continuity of the grudge, that option
seems very temporary and only self satisfying if at all. When we are able to give up on our
grudges, we start to experience more positive emotions, and feel closer to others.We can learn:
”Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God
forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).
To be happy we need to learn to pay attention: Studies show that people who consciously pay
attention—the moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and external
circumstances not only have stronger immune systems but are more likely to be happy and
enjoy greater life satisfaction, and they are less likely to be hostile or anxious. “We must pay
the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away”(
Hebrews 2:1).
To be happy and content in life we need to stop focusing on material wealth: After our basic
needs are met, research suggests, more money doesn’t bring us more happiness—in fact,
happiness rose with their income only until they’d made sufficient to cover their needs. After
that, their happiness plateaued. Perhaps that’s why, in general, people who prioritize material
things over other values are unhappy because their priority is making money at any cost, rather
than live within the parameters laid by God. They literally forget that it is God who is the
provider. We can learn from 1 Chronicles 29:12, “Wealth and honor come from you; you are
the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all”.
As Christians we are made to delight in the knowledge and love of God, to find our
fulfillment…which is only possible if we walk in His ways. Knowing that we live in a world
embroiled in sin, we need to consciously recognize that we desperately need God’s assistance
to pursue happiness. But our happiness is not a right that we have acquired, but a gift from God
who was a man acquainted with pain, suffering, grief and sorrows. We can learn when Jesus
taught us that our Happiness is the fruit of aligning our lives with God’s purposes for us. Jesus
said: “ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s
commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that
your joy may be complete”(John 15:10–11).

3. “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you
the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).