CONTENTS
- "Finding Life Long Happiness" (study outline by Norman and Ann Bales)
- Studies Link Religious Belief With Good Health - Shreveport Times
- CBS Explores Family Values
FINDING LIFE LONG HAPPINESS
by Norman and Ann Bales
INTRODUCTION
According to Meier and Minirith ("Happiness is a Choice" [Baker, 1978]), all human beings have three basic needs.
These are:
1. The need for self-worth.
2. The need of intimacy with others.
3. The need for intimacy with God.
All three of these are summarized in Mark 12:29-31. Listed below are seven guidelines to fulfillment.
DISCUSSION
I. Commit your life daily to the purpose of glorifying Jesus Christ.
A. What does this statement mean?
B. How can we accomplish this objective on a practical level?
C. How does it help with our happiness?
II. Spend such time each day meditating on the Bible and applying it to your life.
A. How much does the input of information affect our thinking?
1. Your mind is like that of a computer. It retains the data entered into its memory.
2. There is one significant difference between the brain and a computer. The brain has a will.
If we choose happiness, we must choose to put the right kind of data into our "computer."
Bad programming of the past affects our present attitudes. We have to deliberately change
the kind of input. The best place to start is with regular exposure to the word of God.
According to Isaiah 55:11, "God's word does not return to him void."
B. How does regular exposure to Biblical content relate to our happiness?
1. Our minds are reprogrammed and redirected by the word of God
(Deuteronomy 32:46; Psalm 1:2; Matthew 4:4; John 15:7;
Colossians 3:16).
2. It also monitors our thinking. Philippians 4:8
III. Get rid of grudges daily.
A. This is the advice of Ephesians 4:26. "'In your anger do not sin' : Do not let the sun go down
while you are still angry."
B. How can we recognize the difference between appropriate and
inappropriate anger?
1. Anger that results when someone's selfish demand are not being met is inappropriate.
2. Anger that results when one's perfectionist demands are not being met is inappropriate.
3. Anger that results from suspiciousness is inappropriate.
C. Why is a healthy handling of anger so important to our happiness?
1. As a result of anger we sometimes turn hostility within, bottle it up on the inside and punish
our own bodies.
2. Sometimes we vent our anger and frustration and thus destroy peace with others.
3. Sometimes we suppress it because we don't think it is right and thus we retain the anger and
then feel guilty for doing so.
4. Sometimes we vent anger physically and abuse others.
D. How can we rid ourselves of anger before bedtime?
1. It helps to be aware of the truth that we really are angry.
2. Forgive, no matter what response we get from the other person.
Why should we suffer depression for his or her sin?
3. When possible, tactfully verbalize your anger for the purpose of reconciliation.
4. Be open to reconciliation, aware of your own faults and willing to admit them.
IV. Spend time every day developing intimacy with family. Do all you can to resolve family conflicts.
A. Minirith and Meier claim that intimacy with your family is vital to your sense of self worth. Why is
this the case? Much of our self worth is based on the way our family loves us. We must communicate
self worth to others by being there, being available and accepting.
B. Whose responsibility is it to resolve family conflicts? (See Romans 12:18).
V. Spend time each week with people, whose value system you respect, just having a good time.
A. It is very important to choose to spend time with people who will build you up, not tear you down.
(See Proverbs 13:20; 27:17; 17:22).
B. Why is it important to choose people with strong character and good morals for these activities?
VI. Be involved in a daily routine (work, play, household projects) that brings satisfaction to you.
A. How does this contribute to happiness?
B. Some guidelines for choosing a routine.
. 1. Don't overcommit yourself.
2. Allow time for daily intimacy with God
3. Spend some time relaxing.
4. If you are married, spend quality time with your spouse.
5. If you have children, spend quality time with them.
6. Be diligent in your employment.
7. Find some task of "ministry" or "service" to others to perform.
VII. Do something nice for one special person each week.
A. Pray that God will show you ways to help one special person.
B. Be creative in the way you help.
C. Why is this so important to our happiness?
CONCLUSION
These suggestions are all within the realm of possibility. Many unhappy people feel trapped in their current situation. They insist that they "can't" do the things that will bring them happiness. You hear statements like, "I can't get along with my husband or wife." "We can't communicate." "I can't give up my affair." In most instances "can't" really means "don't want to." Happiness is essentially a matter of exercising the human will. These suggestions will work provided a person is willing to put them into practice on a consistent basis over a long period of time.
How many of these guidelines are you already practicing? If you are going through a period of depression and you put these seven guidelines to work (not half heartedly, but really get behind it), you will overcome the severest part of your depression.