God wants us to take the one path that leads to true joy

Is there a difference between happiness and joy?

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GOD WANTS US TO BE HAPPY BECAUSE HE IS A VERY HAPPY GOD

God has the right, power, wisdom to do whatever makes Him happy (Isaiah 46:10b; Psalm 115:3)

God allows evil in order to fulfill a bigger purpose (Acts 2:23; Ephesians 1:11b)

GOD WANTS US TO FIND OUR HAPPINESS IN HIM

We all seek happiness

True joy is found in trusting and loving the Lord (Psalm 37:4; 36:8-9; 43:4; 16:11; John 15:10-11)

IT IS A MISTAKE TO TRY TO FIND HAPPINESS APART FROM GOD

People often choose paths that do not lead to happiness

We often find “fleeting pleasure,” but not real joy (Hebrews 1:25-26; Proverbs 30:8; 1 Corinthians 2:9)

FINDING JOY IN “GOOD THINGS” IS A POOR SUBSTITUTE FOR JOY IN THE LORD

Family & friends; career or a job; hobbies, sports, or other recreational activities; involvement in church or ministry

WE ARE OFTEN CONTENT WITH TOO LITTLE HAPPINESS

HOW DO WE EXPERIENCE THE HAPPINESS THE LORD OFFERS?

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By God’s grace, may we seek to find joy in the Lord