Be Happy- part 2
Thesis: The church of Jesus Christ needs to be filled with therapists who dispense laughter and happiness to all they come in contact with especially at Easter.
Introduction: Today is Easter! It’s resurrection Sunday! It’s a time to rejoice and Be Happy! Why you ask! Because we celebrate that Christ Jesus rose from the dead and we need to Be Happy. Christ Jesus is not dead He’s alive! He’s alive and I’m forgiven and that’s a reason to rejoice and to put on your Happy face. It’s a reason to do a little Irish jig.
Catherine Doherty states, ‘The Gospel of Christ’s resurrection fills the heart with joy! A triumphant love song is already begun.” (182).
Overhead: Put up cartoon on empty tomb!
We started last week talking about Being Happy! Why because Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday with shouts of joy and laughter. But something happened by Friday that killed all the joy and happiness. But Sunday came and boom people are rejoicing again and they are happy.
Last week we learned that laughter is good medicine and healthy for you:
· It reduces stress
· It reduces the chance of heart disease
· It drives our fear
· It drives out depression
· It creates a positive outlook on life
· Laughter helps us deal with pain better
It’s a scientific fact that people who laugh more lead healthier lives. We discovered from Proverbs that laughter is one dimension of wisdom. Do you want to be wise then learn to laugh.
Ecclesiates 3:4 tells us there is a time to weep and a time to laugh. I believe it’s time for the church to balance out their weeping and seriousness with some good old laughter. I sometimes think the church still thinks that Jesus is in the tomb and not risen. They still walk around like a bunch of mourners at a funeral parlor. Grieving over the death of the Messiah but forgetting that Friday was the first step to resurrection Sunday. The Sun came up and so did Jesus!
I have pondered what happened in Heaven the day Jesus arose. I imagine heaven up there laughing rejoicing, shouting words of rejoicing. I see God laughing. Friends God is a God who laughs listen to these verses:
Psalm 2:4; The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
Psalm 37:13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he knows their day is coming.
Psalm 59:8 But you, O LORD, laugh at them;
you scoff at all those nations.
Video clip of Jesus laughing at the sermon on the mount.
Many people today don’t seem to be able to get the picture that God Laughs, Jesus laughed and He wants us to laugh. John 10:10 screams at us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Having a life that is full is a life that is filled with joy, laughter and rejoicing.
It’s not a full life if our life is filled with seriousness and pessimism.
It’s not a full life if our life is filled with criticalness and grumbling.
It’s not a full life if our life is filled with crying and mourning.
It’s not a full life if our life is filled with whining and negativity.
It’s not a full life if our life is filled with no smiles and no good belly laughs.
With the fact of the Resurrection of Jesus should we not all have the “Be Happy’ attitude. Should not today of all days bring a smile across your face?
We have established that laughter is something God does and laughter is considered to be a therapy for those dealing with difficulties in life. I challenged all of us last week to become dispensers of laughter. We need to become laughter therapists for the benefit of ourselves and for the benefit it will bring to others. It’s a gift that will benefit everyone who comes in contact with it.
Overhead of some funny cartoons- See how laughter affects everyone positively!
T.S.-You might be thinking, “So how does a laughter therapist dispense laughter?” Lets explore the answers to this question so we all can learn to be God’s Christian Laugh Therapists.
I. Laughter therapists are ones who dispense laughter in spite of difficult circumstances.
a. We need to learn to choose to dispense the therapy of laughter during times of stress and crisis.
i. Enda Junkins has this to say about Laughter Therapy, “Laughter Therapy is a term used by many, but for our purposes, it is learning to laugh freely again at the many things we deal with that aren’t funny. Children will play with almost anything except direct pain. Adults were intended to do the same. When we can play with our pain, we laugh. When we laugh, we shift our perspective and problems shrink to a manageable size. We don’t diminish importance, but we are less overwhelmed” (We Need to Laugh).
ii. How do you do in dispensing laughter when you are under stress?
1. When your hurting do you hurt everyone else around you?
a. There is the old saying “Hurting people hurt other people.”
b. How about trying to learn to dispense some laughter rather than pain?
c. You ask How?
i. Last week I gave a list of things you could do to cultivate the spirit of joy. Pick up the tape. But here are a few highlights:
1. When your hurting take time to do laughter exercises!
2. Rent a good clean funny movie.
3. Read a funny book.
4. Look for the laughs that are found in your day.
5. Try laughing 5 minutes each day until you mean it.
6. Determine to laugh in spite of.
7. Wear a smile because then you are one step closer to a laugh.
b. Paul also helps to teach us how to dispense laughter in stressful situations by giving us the joyful book of Philippians .
i. Swindoll notes:
1. In the first chapter of Philippians we learn there is laughter in living-whether or not we get what we want, in spite of difficult circumstances, and even when there are conflicts “(27).
a. Paul demonstrates to us that joy is a choice.
b. Paul is sitting in chains in Rome as he pens the book of Philippians. He is a prisoner who has suffered much for his choice to follow the resurrected Christ!
i. He does not have the freedom to come and go as he pleases.
ii. He has been under house arrest for over a year.
iii. He has suffered from false accusations.
iv. He has gone through beatings.
v. He has been shipwrecked three times.
vi. He has spent a night floating out in the sea.
vii. He has had stones throne at him.
viii. He has been whipped.
ix. He has been criticized from people within the church.
x. He has been on the move for years enduring hardship as he traveled and preached.
xi. He has known what it is like to be hungry and thirsty.
xii. He has experienced the discomfort of being cold.
xiii. He does not have privacy.
xiv. He does not have the good life.
xv. He does not have money.
xvi. He does not have a car.
xvii. He does not have a fancy wardrobe.
xviii. He does not have the latest technology.
xix. He does not have a Hot Tub.
1. In California there are people who will not shut their hot tubs off to help prevent rolling Blackouts.
2. They claim they must have them for therapeutic purposes.
3. Our society has become to pleasure orientated and they think that is what brings them joy.
xx. He does not know whether he will go to prison or not.
xxi. He does not know whether he will live or die.
ii. Yet in Philippians Chapter one Paul talks about this “Be Happy Attitude”.
1. Is he delusional?
2. Has he lost his mind?
3. Many would say, “You cannot be happy when you are under arrest!” The man was on drugs! He is living in denial to his situation.
a. Paul demonstrates to us as he writes how we are to “Be Happy!’
i. He tells us it’s a matter of attitude to be “Be Happy!”
1. Some of you are saying, “I cannot chose to Be Happy!”
2. I am going to shout right back at you that with God all things are possible!”
ii. Swindoll states, “For the longest time I wondered why. Why has a joyful life, and attitude of happiness, eluded so many? Within the past few years I have come to realize why. It’s because most people think that happiness is something that happens to them rather than something they deliberately pursue. Circumstances seldom generate smiles and laughter. Joy comes to those who determine to pursue it in spite of their circumstances” (49,50).
iii. If you really want joy and laughter in you life you must chase after it and catch it!
iv. This means that you with God’s assistance must make a leaping dive to grab a hold of the joy in life.
v. Friends you need to look for the laughter and joy in your life everyday. It’s there can you see it?
c. Lets explore Philippians 1 and see how Paul looks and finds laughter and joy in his life.
i. See if you can see his “Be Happy” outlook on life.
ii. Philippians 1:1-3 (NIV) 1Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers£ and deacons: 2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3I thank my God every time I remember you
1. Paul right off the bat shows us here that every time he thinks of the Philippian church he is happy and thankful to God.
2. He does not dwell and focus on all the bad things that happened in his life. He could!
3. No he chooses to dwell, to think and to meditate on all the good things.
a. Maybe he does this by recalling the times of laughter and rejoicing at the church fellowship meals.
b. Maybe he remembers how they love God and this makes him thankful and cheerful.
c. It makes him happy! He smiles and laughs on inside! Which in turn helps him to deal with the present circumstances of life.
d. I have read of how many prisoners of war have learned to be positive in spite of what was going on around them.
i. They knew that the one thing the enemy could not control was their attitude and their outlook on life.
e. Here is a key to happiness and a “Be Happy” attitude when in stressful situations focus on the good times of the past.
i. They will make you smile and put you one step away from laughter.
iii. Philippians 1:4 (NIV) 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
1. He prays for them with joy!
2. Why because their lives bring joy to his life.
3. Why because Paul focused on the positive and not the negative.
a. Notice it does not say that when I pray for your church, I cry, I whine, I moan, I groan, I scream, I weep, I wallow in my misery.
4. Do you see something special about the Philippian church they must have been a church that dispensed laughter and joy to others.
5. The story from Max Lucado’s book The Applause of Heaven page 3,4:
She has every reason to be bitter. Though talented, she went unrecognized for years. Prestigious opera circles closed their ranks when she tried to enter. American critics ignored her compelling voice. She was repeatedly rejected for parts for which she easily qualified. It was only after she went to Europe and won the hearts of tough-to-please European audiences that stateside opinion leaders acknowledged her talent. Not only has her professional life been a battle, her personal life has been marked by challenge. She is the mother of two handicapped children, one of whom is severely retarded. Years ago, in order to escape the pace of new York City, she purchased a home on Martha’s Vineyard. It burned to the ground two days before she was to move in. Professional rejection. Personal setbacks. Perfect soil for the seeds of bitterness. A receptive field for the roots of resentment. But in this case, anger found no home. Her friends don’t call her bitter; they call her “Bubbles.” Beverly sills. Internationally acclaimed opera singer. Retired director of the New York City Opera.
Her phrases are sugared with laughter. Her face is softened with serenity. Upon interviewing her, Mike Wallace stated that, “she is one of the most impressive-if not the most impressive-ladies I’ve ever interviewed.” How can a person handle such professional rejection and personal trauma and still be known as Bubbles?” I choose to be cheerful,” she says. ‘Years ago I knew I had little or no choice about success, circumstances or even happiness; but I knew I could choose to be cheerful.”
T.S.- Happiness is a choice so lets chose it. Paul also tells us there is another element to happiness it’s found also in good relationships. Lets explore.
II. Paul also reveals to us in Philippians that joy comes from partnering with others.
a. Philippians 1:5, 6 (NIV) 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
i. Paul receives joy and happiness from the testimony of this church. They were a church that partnered with Paul and this encouraged him.
1. Did you know that partnering with others brings laughter and happiness to other peoples lives.
2. Guy Doud shares in His book “Joy in The Journey” (pages 138,139) about the T.V. Show Cheers. How many recall that show? There is Norm, Sam, Frazier, Cliff, Diane, Coach, Woody and others.
a. How many know what happens when Norm comes in the door?
i. The Bar patrons yell, “Norm!” and he waves and then proceeds to his favorite bar stool for his beer.
3. Guy states, ‘I love the theme song of cheers, but I wonder how many people have ever really heard the words?
Making your way in the world today
Takes everything you’ve got.
Taking a break from all your worries,
Sure would help a lot.
Wouldn’t you like to get away?
Sometimes you want to go where everybody
Knows your name and they’re always glad you came.
You want to be where you can see
the troubles are all the same.
You want to be where everybody knows your name.
You want to go where people are all the same.
You want to go where everybody knows your name.
a. This show was one of the top ten shows for years. Why? Because it brought smiles and laughter to people. I also believe it was so popular because many long for a place like cheers.
4. People are looking for places that break forth with happiness and laughter.
a. Why do you think bars are so popular?
i. Bruce Larson and Keith Miller in their book The Edge Of Adventure compare the local church with the neighborhood bar:
The neighborhood bar possibly the best counterfeit there is for the fellowship Christ wants to give His church. It’s imitation, dispensing liquor instead of grace, escape rather than reality, but it is permissive, accepting and inclusive fellowship. It is unshockable. It is democratic. You can tell people secrets and they usually don’t tell others or even want to. The bar flourishes not because most people are alcoholics, but because God has put into the human heart the desire to be known, to love, and be loved, and so many seek a counterfeit at the price of a few beers” (Doud, 139).
ii. People today are looking for friends and life long partners to share life with. They want others with them to laugh with them and even to mourn with them.
a. Paul once again affirms the importance of relationships in bringing this “Be Happy” attitude.
i. Philippians 1:7-18 (NIV) 7It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. 12Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. 15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.
ii. Paul’s reason for rejoicing is that it comes from having others around him supporting him.
1. Friendships do make a difference and quality ones bring the element of joy into your life.
2. Enda Junkins gives us some tips to put laughter in our relationships.
a. She notes 20 things you can do- see list
iii. It’s important to point out here that Paul’s reason for rejoicing does not rest on the fact that some people despised him and rejected him.
1. Paul looked at a situation with eyes of rejoicing rather eyes of bitterness and anger.
2. He just focused on that they where preaching Christ so what if it was from wrong motive. Christ was being preached.
a. Paul had a “Be Happy” attitude because he looked for what was good and positive about a negative situation.
i. He did not allow others to steal his joy, his happiness.
ii. How about you? Are you allowing others to steal your smiley face?
iii. Instead of bitterness winning out in Paul’s life joy won out. Laughter won out!
T.S.- Paul has been teaching us that to be happy we need to choose to be Happy in spite of circumstances and to learn to partner with others because this helps to bring the “Be Happy” attitude in life. But there is another important area that helps to bring joy in difficult circumstances it’s about a relationship with the Lord.
III. Paul shows us that joy in life comes from knowing who you are in Christ Jesus and your destiny.
a. Philippians 1:19 –26 (NIV) 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
i. It also comes from knowing where you are going if death comes to you that day.
1. It also talks about being a therapist who gives out joy and laughter to others. His heartbeat is to bring them joy.
2. How about you? Do you want to dispense joy and laughter to others?
IV. Paul concludes chapter one encouraging the church to conduct themselves in a worthy manner, I add and that includes laughter and joy.
a. Philippians 1:27-30 (NIV) 27Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
1. Paul’s Closing thoughts here are stay with it and rejoice no matter what happens to him.
2. Paul even goes so far as to say rejoice as you suffer for Jesus because one day in heaven you will be glad you did.
3. Is this “Be happy” perspective alive today in the church?
Conclusion:
Charles Swindoll states, “I know of no greater need today then the need for joy. Unexplainable, contagious joy. Outrageous joy. When that kind of joy comes aboard our ship of life, it brings good things with it-like enthusiasm for life, determination to hang in there, and a strong desire to be an encouragement to others. Such qualities make our voyage bearable when we hit the open seas and encounter high waves of hardship that tend to demoralize and paralyze. There is nothing better than a joyful attitude when we face the challenges life throws at us” (19).
Lets recap what we learned:
* Our hero Paul has told us, even though he is in chains, that happiness is a choice in spite of trials.
a. Peter Marshall tells us, “one of the things Christ promised us was trouble. ‘In the world ye shall have tribulation, ‘He said. But be of good cheer’…or in other words, ‘Cheer up…I have overcome the world.’”
4. And today Resurrection Sunday is celebrated to reminds us of the this fact. He rose and overcame the world!
5. Friends Happiness is A choice you make and Paul is revealing this truth as he writes Philippians 4:11b-13:…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
a. Paul is telling us one of the secrets to being happy is to be content in all circumstances.
b. Dr. Minirth and Meyer tell us this in their book titled Happiness is a choice.
c. Tony Campolo tells us, “Of all the decisions any of us have to make, perhaps the most important is what we choose to become.”
*Joy and happiness is also found in good relationships.
*Joy in life also comes from knowing who you are in Jesus Christ and where your destiny lies.
* The Be Happy attitude in life is what makes life enjoyable and bearable lets decide to become dispensers of this wonderful gift to ourselves and to others.
