Choosing to Be Happy (Psalm 118:24)
This sermon explores the profound truth that happiness is not merely an emotion we feel, but a deliberate choice we make each day. It offers a compelling invitation to actively cultivate joy, even when life's challenges arise, by consciously directing our thoughts and attitudes.
Happiness is not a circumstance, but a daily choice we actively make, even amid difficulties. By choosing to think happy thoughts and maintaining a grateful attitude, we honor God and live life to the fullest.
Overview
This sermon emphasizes that happiness is a deliberate choice, not an automatic reaction to circumstances. It begins by encouraging listeners to decide how they will live each day, either in faith and joy or discouraged and focused on problems. The preacher asserts that our will is more powerful than our feelings, urging us to declare happiness despite external pressures.
The message uses biblical examples like King David, who chose to rejoice despite opposition, and the Apostle Paul, who thought himself happy even in prison. It highlights that true maturity is maintaining joy regardless of life's challenges, rather than postponing happiness until conditions improve. This intentional choice of a positive attitude is presented as a seed for positive change.
Further, the sermon draws a parallel with birds that sing joyfully every morning, undisturbed by worldly problems or weather, relying on their heavenly Father. It suggests that by tuning out negativity and actively cultivating happy thoughts, we can overcome discouragement. The preacher also stresses the immense value of each day as a gift from God, encouraging listeners to live it fully with gratitude.
Ultimately, the sermon calls for a conscious decision to give ourselves permission to be happy, recognizing that God created us to enjoy life. It concludes by affirming that such an attitude allows God to work, releasing new levels of joy, favor, freedom, and fulfillment, enabling us to finish our lives with joy.
Key points
- Happiness is a choice made daily, not a feeling that automatically occurs.
- Circumstances should not dictate our joy; we must decide to be happy regardless.
- King David chose to rejoice and be glad in the day the Lord made, despite his many oppositions.
- Maturity is being happy even when things are not going your way, not postponing joy until ideal conditions.
- The Apostle Paul, facing severe hardships and imprisonment, actively chose to 'think myself happy.'
- We can choose to 'think happy thoughts' and give ourselves permission to be joyful, tuning out negativity.
- Every day is a valuable gift from God, and living it happily honors Him and allows us to make the most of it.
In Joel Osteen's words
“If you don't get happy where you are, you probably won't get to where you want to be.”
“Your will is more powerful than how you feel.”
“Happiness is not dependent on what's going on around you. It's dependent on what's going on in you.”
Outline
- I. Choosing to Be Happy Is a Daily Decision
- A. Happiness doesn't happen automatically; it's a choice.
- B. Decide in the morning to live happy, see the good, and be grateful.
- C. Your will is more powerful than your feelings.
- II. Examples of Choosing Happiness Despite Circumstances
- A. King David: Rejoicing despite opposition (Psalm 118:24)
- B. The basketball player fighting cancer: Choosing joy in the midst of illness.
- C. Birds: Singing every morning regardless of weather or world problems.
- D. Apostle Paul: Thinking himself happy despite beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment (2 Corinthians 11, King Agrippa, Philippians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians).
- III. Principles for Cultivating Happiness
- A. Mark of maturity: Joy is not based on circumstances.
- B. Don't put off happiness; choose it today.
- C. Get happy where you are; a good attitude is a seed for change.
- D. You control your own happiness.
- E. Tune out negative influences (news, social media).
- F. Think happy thoughts: focus on good reports, future, and God's goodness.
- G. Give yourself permission to be happy.
- H. Habakkuk's declaration: Rejoicing in the Lord even when everything is going wrong (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
- IV. The Value of Each Day
- A. Every day is a gift from God, not an ordinary day.
- B. We honor God by living each day in faith and joy.
- C. A dying mother's perspective: Each new day is the best day of her life.
- D. Finish your course with joy, not discouragement.
Scripture references
24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
1 Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
2 My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.
1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Insights
Each morning brings a fresh invitation to choose our emotional landscape.
Our deepest joy can emerge not from ease, but from deliberate intention.
True gladness is cultivated within, independent of external conditions.
Questions & answers
What is the core argument of this sermon?
The sermon argues that happiness is not a passive emotion but an active, daily choice, regardless of one's external circumstances. We have the power to decide to be happy, grateful, and focused on God's goodness.
How does the sermon suggest we start our day for happiness?
It suggests waking up and making a conscious decision: 'I'm going to live this day happy. I'm going to see the good. I'm going to be grateful.' This proactive choice prevents circumstances from dictating our mood.
What does the sermon say about waiting for happiness?
The sermon advises against waiting for specific conditions (like finishing school, getting a promotion, or a situation changing) to become happy. It asserts that if you don't get happy where you are, you likely won't be happy when you reach your desired destination.
How does the Apostle Paul's experience relate to choosing happiness?
Despite enduring numerous hardships and imprisonment, Paul declared, 'I think myself happy.' This demonstrates that even in extreme adversity, one can choose to cultivate happy thoughts and an attitude of faith rather than dwelling on hurts or disappointments.
What is the significance of the phrase 'This is the day the Lord has made' in this sermon?
The sermon uses David's declaration to emphasize recognizing God's hand in giving us each new day. It's a call to live that gift fully, with joy and gratitude, rather than wasting it on negativity or problems, seeing every day as our 'best day.'
Flashcards
Turn your pastor's sermon into notes like this
Record at church or paste a YouTube link. Sermon Notes gives you summaries, scriptures, flashcards, and a daily devotional from your own sermons.
More from Joel Osteen
Related on similar themes
Source
Unofficial AI summary for study purposes. Watch the full sermon on Joel Osteen. Sermon Insights is not affiliated with or endorsed by the pastor or church.