Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Subject: God created us to be happy people
Proposition: To show the congregation that Christ is the Way to true happiness here on earth.
I. Introduction: Several years ago the #1 song on the pop charts was titled: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. It was an upbeat song with an upbeat message. It had a kind of Reggae beat and was reminiscent of a carefree day at the beach. While there was no theological message intended in the song, I think we Christians could take a lesson from the concept it employs.
From the very beginning in the Garden of Eden, God’s intent was for us to be happy. He has done everything possible to allow our happiness. Let’s take a few moments and see what the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write on the subject.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
II. Body:
A. Be joyful always.
1. God created us to be happy
2. Sin separates us from God
A. Before I came to Christ, my joy was in alcohol and worldly pleasures, B. Since I have come to Christ, He is the source of my joy
C. Since He will never leave me, my joy will never leave me.
3. Happiness is a choice we make every day.
A. Story about Michael, the guy you love to hate.
B. Story about angry husband/wife and the telephone
B. Pray continually - (always pray at the appropriate time)
1. Prayer is serious work that saints are called to do.
2. Set aside a daily time for prayer
A. This will become a tremendous source of joy in itself
3. Wednesday night prayer meetings
A. Why don’t we pray for the entire hour?
4. Prayer works
A. If you pray for an elephant, you better have a big backyard.
B. All prayer is answered, sometimes the answer is NO.
C. Even Jesus prayed.
5. We serve a God who is the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, yet He wants us to petition Him.
C. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus
1. Actually try to count your blessings one by one.
2. Every dark cloud has a silver lining- God can use ANYTHING for good
A. Summarized story of David and Bathsheba
B. Summarized story of Joseph and his brothers
III. Conclusion/Summary
God truly wants us to be happy. He sent His Holy Spirit to inspire Paul to write in 3 short verses the keys to that happiness. Paul believed what he wrote and he was happy. Perhaps you think your situation is so dire that what Paul says cannot apply to you. Well, here is something else Paul wrote: (read 2Cor 11:24-28) If Paul can be happy after all that, does your situation really compare?
God truly can use anything for good. You’ve heard a couple of stories here today about David and Joseph and how seemingly hopeless circumstances caused by their own sin or the sin of others was turned around for the glory of God. God even used the death of His own Son for His glory and our salvation.
He can turn your situation around too. No matter how desperate your situation seems, you can accept Christ and God will turn you around. He has a plan for you individually, will you come to Him today?
