# 10 - Happiness is Still Possible

1 Peter 4:12-16

1.     What is happiness?

a.     Lincoln – Most are about as happy as they make up their minds to be

2.     Why aren’t we really happy?

a.     Life is not right with God – Ecc. 12:13

b.     Things don’t go our way – Ahab – 1 Kings 20

c.     Guilt

d.     Poor opinion of self – love neighbor as yourself

e.     Fail to see source of happiness

                                                    i.     God is the giver – James 1:17

                                                   ii.     Bible is our guide

                                                 iii.     We choose to follow or not

f.      Hold anger and resentment – Luke 17:1-7

g.     Don’t know your purpose in life – Romans 4:11

h.     Virtue of giving – Acts 20:35

i.       Fail to seek God’s will – James 4:13-15

j.       Try to carry the burden alone

                                                    i.     Friends – church can help

                                                   ii.     Matthew 11:28-30

                                                 iii.     1 Peter 5:7

3.     Conclusion

a.     Our Constitution – right to pursue happiness

b.     God – ability to catch happiness