1. The “God” of Happiness
Exodus 20:3
Colossians 3:5
1 John 5:21

2. The Pursuit of Happiness
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” -The Declaration of Independence
We place a premium on pursuing happiness in the United States.
Listed as a God-given right in our Declaration.
“God wants me to be happy according to MY definition.”

3. Man’s Definition of Happiness
Happiness - good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.
Dictionary.com
Hap is the Old Norse and Old English root of happiness, and it just means luck or chance
A History of Happiness, Darrin M. McMahon, Ph.D.
Happenstance comes from the same root.
The idea that our circumstances dictate happiness.
“If things go my way, I’m happy.”
Instant gratification.

4. Happiness? Eve Cain Noah Lot Esau Joseph’s brothers Samson David Amnon
Solomon
Judas
The prodigal son
Debt, fornication, drugs and alcohol, porn, leave your spouse, etc.
Hebrews 11:25 passing pleasures of sin

5. Happiness according to man’s definition is fleeting.
Job 2:10 …Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” Ecclesiastes 1:8 All things are full of labor; Man cannot express it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, Nor the ear filled with hearing. Proverbs 27:20 Hell and Destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied.
This kind of happiness is a moving target.
Circumstances change, and there is never ENOUGH.
“I’ll be happy when…”

6. Happiness according to man’s definition is not God’s desire for us here.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation;…
2 Timothy 3:12
2 Corinthians 11:23-28

7. God wants more for and from us.
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

8. God wants more for and from us.
Matthew 22:37-40 John 6:28-29 Romans 8:24 1 Thessalonians 5:18 1 Peter 1:3-16
Romans 8:24 For we were saved in this hope, …
1 Thess. 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Pursue holiness.

9. Happiness is found in serving God.
Psalm 1 Matthew 5:3-12 Philippians 4:4, John 16:22 Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.
Happiness God wants for us is completely independent of our circumstances (things outside our control).