Be Happy for the Rest of Your Life

Series: How to Make Lemonade
BE HAPPY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE
Philippians 4:3 - 13

We learned for the four chapters of Philippians.

To develop the happiness habit.

Serving others is the less traveled road to happiness.

Happiness comes with Jesus at the center and motivation behind all we do.

That happiness is a matter of choice, a habit that you choose to develop.

1. Live with a Servant’s Heart.

… I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel… Philippians 4:3 NIV

A person with a winning attitude lives with a servant’s heart.

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 NIV

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15

Illustration: Debbie Fields of Mrs. Fields' Cookies.

Danny Thomas said, "Success has nothing to do with what you gain or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others." He established St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

2. Make Everything A Matter Of Prayer.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV

Don't live in a constant state of uncertainty, God is in control.

Cast all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NIV

To choose happiness is to give everything to God and trust Him to take care of the details.

3. Think Good Thoughts.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable --if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

“I will never permit a row of medicine bottles to block my horizon." Robert Louis Stevenson

4. Practice Saying, "This is good enough."

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

If you can be happy only when you're at the peak, then you'll be happy only a small portion of your life.

“One of the most destructive mental tendencies I have seen is people focus on what they want rather than what they have.” Psychologist Richard Carlson

CONCLUSION: The lesson is that joy is not the result of pleasant circumstances it is the result of a pleasant outlook on life.