How Can One Find Happiness? I Corinthians 7:40 I. Introduction. A. Most people search for happiness. 1.In many different ways. 2. Some ways men seek it would be unpleasant for Christians. B. Christians should be happy: 1. Saved--Jesus is their Master. 2. Heaven is the goal--can realize through faithfulness. 3. Associate with best people on earth. C. Even in life there are some things that can make us happy--yea--happier. 1. Note and comment: I Corinthians 7:40. 2. How many of you have been where you were happy...but could be happier? Read Psalm 128. II. Body. One can find happiness in this life by.... A. Finding and practicing the elements covered by Psalm 128. 1. Fear Jehovah and walk in His paths: verse 1. a. Jesus emphasized: John 13:17. b. Consider the benefits and rewards of serving the Lord. c. Provides peace of mind and strength of character. d. Sin does not bring true happiness--only momentary pleasure: Hebrews 11:25. 2. Working and earning: verse 2. a. Brings contentment: I Timothy 6:8. b. Enables one to help others: Ephesians 4:28. c. There is something restful and rewarding about earning a living. 3. A righteous family: verse 3. a. Consider Noah. b. Provides support in times of need. c. When no place else to go: go home. d. The laughter, the joy, the closeness, the benefits--all bring satisfaction and happiness. e. Our society has marred the family, the family image, the sanctity of marriage, the discipline for members and--now--they reap the consequences. 4. Seeing the good things and dwelling on those: verse 5. a. Ever been around a totally negative person? b. Some are hyper-critical, never a kind word. c. Others see good things in folks, encourage them and bring happiness to those about them. d. The simple pleasures of life can be very rewarding. 5. Seeing the future in the hands of righteous people: verse 6. a. Those of us who are older should encourage. b. We should set the example, live the life, and guide the coming generations. B. These additional elements: 1. Listening to one wise in the ways of God: I Kings 10:8. a. This should bring much happiness to Christians. b. Too many give attention to wisdom of the world. c. Even preachers, elders, etc. sometimes put much stock in those who are not true to God's word(brings unhappiness in Zion). d. The book, chapter, and verse men should have our attention. 2. Showing mercy to the needy: Proverbs 14:21. a. How that helps the giver and bring happiness to the heart: Acts 20:35. b. It helps them--but it helps you even more. c. You have experienced--have you not? d. Sometimes it is not just material goods: Acts 3:6. 3. Defending and standing for truth: Acts 26:2. a. May result in being reproached: I Peter 4:14. b. It does your soul good to speak up for the Lord and His truth. c. Christians are the only defenders of the faith on this earth! III. Conclusion. A. Job endured and Job was happy! James 5:11. B. There is a joy in finishing a task(how much more in living all of one's life as a Christian. -jy