Bible Study June 30, 2025
“Happy, Happy, Happy or Am I”
Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ‘
Rejoice. The joy that Paul calls for is not a happiness that depends on circumstances but a deep contentment that is in the Lord, based on trust in the sovereign, living God, and that therefore is available always, even in difficult times.
I read an article on the happiest Americans and they are not who we might believe they are.
“Teenagers of today were asked what they most wanted out of life. Here is what a recent Pew Research poll titled “Teens’ Future Plans and Goals” found that 86% of teens say it’s extremely or very important to them to have a job or career they enjoy. Sixty-nine percent say close friendships matter deeply. And 58% say it’s very important to make a lot of money.
With high school and college graduation season nearly over, most commencement addresses will likely reflect advice helping a young person to think about flourishing in one of these areas. “
Although these are good and something to look forward to they do not provide real happiness.
What about marriage? Just 36% of teens say getting married is very important.
“This shift may seem unremarkable in a culture that increasingly values autonomy, financial success and self-expression. But there’s a glaring problem: none of those things — on their own — actually lead to human flourishing. “
According to Dr. Brad Wilcox, a leading social scientist and director of the National Marriage Project, the happiest Americans aren’t the wealthiest or the most successful in their careers. They’re not the ones with the largest Instagram following or the most adventurous travel resume. They’re not even the ones with the tightest circle of friends.
The happiest Americans are married, churchgoing and often parents. In fact, the happiest within this group are those who report being in a good marriage.
To say this out loud in today’s world feels almost rebellious. We tell young people to chase dreams, prioritize independence and keep their options open. But we rarely tell them that committing to another person and building a life of shared purpose could actually be the surest path to happiness.
Marriage isn’t always perfect. No relationship is. I read this the other day. A man asked his wife what would she do if he won the lottery. Her answer “I would take half and leave.” The husband “I won twelve dollars here’s half stay in touch.”
We live is a society that is interested in what it can get out of today. But long term happiness is about God, family, and relationships.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 