Happy Are Those Who Serve "the Happy God"

"Happy are the people whose God is Jehovah!" - Psalm 144:15.


JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES certainly are a happy people.  Their meetings, assemblies, and social gatherings are characterized by the pleasant sound of joyful conversations and laughter.  Why are they so happy?  The main reason is that they know, serve, and strive to imitate Jehovah, "the happy God." (1 Timothy 1:11; Psalm 16:11)  Being the source of happiness. God wants us to be happy, and he gives us many reasons to rejoice. -Deuteronomy 12:7; Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13. 

HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?

* What is fundamental to true happiness?

* What qualities help us to be happy? 

 * How can we be happy through enduring difficulties.

What about you personally?  Are you happy? Can you increase your happiness?  Happiness may be defined as "state of well-being that is characterized by relative permanence, by emotion ranging from mere contentment to deep and intense joy in living, and by a natural desire for it to continue."  The Bible shows that true happiness refers to the condition of one who is blessed by Jehovah.  In today's world, though, being happy may be a challenge. Why?

Stressful events-such as when a loved one dies or is disfellowshipped or  when faced with a divorce or the loss of a job-can rob us of happiness.  Domestic strife and a breakdown in peaceful communication can erode our sense of well-being.  Ridicule by workmates or classmates, religious persecution, or imprisonment can undermine our happiness.  So can deteriorating health, chronic illness, or depression.  Nevertheless, Jesus Christ, "the happy and only Potentate," delighted in bringing comfort and happiness to people.  (1 Timothy 6:15; Matthew 11:28-30)  In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus identified a number of qualities that can contribute to our happiness despite distressing trials in Satan's world. 

Next time: Happy Are Those Who Serve "the Happy God" - STRONG SPIRITUALITY-FUNDAMENTAL TO HAPPINESS

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