What Makes You Happy (1) – Nothing

Welcome to CROLCC, we are so glad you are here worshiping with us. It’s interesting that we have been talking about wishes, plans, and destinies for the past few weeks. I have learned in the past that I probably need to pay attention if I keep hearing the same thing over and over again. Perhaps God really is speaking to us about His plan for us individually. Two weeks ago Pastor Russell spoke about your destiny is greater than your disaster. Whenever you have a setback in life there will always be a comeback. Last week Pastor Richard talked about receiving the blessings from Heaven. Are you ready to let go of your past and begin receiving?

When we receive blessings it makes us happy. Who wouldn’t want to be happy? You might even have heard that God wants us to have joy in Him. But what makes you happy? What comes to mind for you? Something comes to mind for all of us. We all daydream about a trouble-free life made possible by something: a job, house, car, spouse, child, family, or pile of money. But what if what makes you happy isn’t a what at all. What if it’s a who?

Moving Forward

Happiness is about who, not what. Happy people are at peace with God, others, and themselves. Sin undermines peace because it separates you from God, others, and yourself. Since Jesus valued and prioritized peace with God, ourselves, and others, and since you want to be happy, you should consider becoming a follower of Jesus.

Changing Your Mind

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37–40

Discussion Questions

1. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about what makes you happy? Why do you think that comes to mind?

2. How would you define the word happiness? How has your definition influenced the ways you’ve chosen to pursue happiness?

3. Read Matthew 22:35–40. Respond to Jesus’ statement. Does it sound too easy? Why or why not?

4. Are you at peace with yourself, others, and God? If not, what’s getting in the way of your peace in those relationships?

5. In what are you currently seeking happiness? What is one thing you can do this week to turn your attention to Jesus as your source of happiness? What can this group do to support you?