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    Resource Details

    How to Be Happy No Matter What Happens

    Rick Warren | August 22, 2021

    Pain, pressure, people, and problems can kill your joy, but when you approach every situation with faith and not fear, God will be the ultimate source of your happiness. In this message, Pastor Rick shares four principles for being happy no matter what happens in your life. Learn how God can bring good out of anything, and how to stay focused on your purpose, and not problems.

    Message Action Plan

    Talk It Over

    Message Action Plan

    Philippians 1:12-30
    Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the good news of Christ! Philippians 1:27

    NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS . . .

    1. REMEMBER GOD CAN BRING GOOD OUT OF ANYTHING.

      We know that in all that happens, God works for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.   Romans 8:28

      I will praise the Lord no matter what happens.  Psalms 34:1 (LB)

      Paul's Example
      I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me has helped to spread the good news. Philippians 1:12 (NLT)

    ANYTIME I FACE A PROBLEM WITH FAITH…

      • It's a witness to unbelievers.

        For everyone here, including all the soldiers in the palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.   Philippians 1:13
      • It's an encouragement to believers.

        And because of my imprisonment, many believers here have gained confidence and been encouraged to speak fearlessly in telling others about Christ. Philippians 1:14 (NLT)

    ACTION PLAN: Take a moment to remember a time when you were surprised to see God bring good from a bad situation. How bad did it seem at the time? What good came from it that you did not expect? Now, think about a difficult situation that you're facing currently. List some potential outcomes that could happen looking at it from God's perspective. Ask him in prayer to change your perspective to match his.

    1. NEVER LET OTHERS CONTROL MY ATTITUDE.

      CRITICS:It's true that some others preach Christ because they are jealous of us, and they like to argue.      Philippians 1:15

      COMPANIONS (who care):Others preach from genuine good will. These do so out of love, and they know God's given me the work of defending the gospel. Philippians 1:16

      COMPETITORS:Others preach Christ insincerely from a spirit of selfish ambition. Philippians 1:17a

      CHALLENGERS:Others just want to stir up more trouble for me and add to my pain while I am in prison.   Philippians 1:17b

      Paul's Attitude

      But it doesn't really matter! The important thing is that in every way, whether for right or wrong reasons, the message of Christ is being shared! So I am happy, and I'll continue to be happy!  Philippians 1:18 (NCV)

      Be fearless, no matter who opposes you. It will be a sign to them of their downfall, that God is with you, and that he will save you.  Philippians 1:28 (NIV/LB)

      For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this fight together. You have seen me suffer for him in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of a great struggle. Philippians 1:29-30 (NLT)

      No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (LB)

    ACTION PLAN: Make a list of criticisms and challenges you've endured this past week. Which of these lingered with you longer than the others? Identify the sources of the criticisms and challenges. Then, list specific ways you could respond this upcoming week to keep your joy intact.

    1. TRUST GOD TO ALWAYS WORK THINGS OUT.

      I will continue to rejoice, for I know that as you pray for me and as the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, all that's happened will all turn out for my deliverance. Philippians 1:19 (NLT)

      It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage, now as always, Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death!  Philippians 1:20 (ESV)

      Do not let your happy trust in the Lord die away, no matter what happens. Remember your reward! Hebrews 10:35 (LB)
    2. STAY FOCUSED ON MY PURPOSE, NOT MY PROBLEM.

      If by continuing to live I can do more worthwhile work for Christ, then I am not sure which I should choose. I'm pulled in two directions! I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing; but for your sake it is much more important that I remain alive. I am sure of this, so I know that I will stay on with you all, so I can add to your progress and joy in the faith. Philippians 1:22-25 (TEV)

      For me to live is Christ and to die is gain! Philippians 1:21

    For Me to Live Is __________________________________________________________.

    How YOU complete this sentence will determine your happiness.

    ACTION PLAN: Fill in the blank above. Before you came to Christ, how would you have filled that in? Now that know him, how has that changed? Repeat out loud four times, Paul's words from Philippians 1:21. Put the emphasis on different words as you do this:

    • "For ME to live is Christ!"
    • "For me to LIVE is Christ!"
    • "For me to live IS Christ!"
    • "For me to live is CHRIST!"

    Weekly Action Steps
    We recommit our lives to Jesus Christ. Text NEWSTART (1 word) to 83000 or email newstart@saddleback.com

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    Listen to our "Doable Discipleship" and "The Well" podcasts from our Saddleback Growth team at Saddleback.com/learn

    More from this series

    Talk It Over

    Discussion Guide

    More from this series

    Strategies for Stressful Times
    August 15 - December 5, 2021
    • The Case For Christmas
      December 5, 2021
    • Using Your Pain to Help Others
      November 28, 2021
    • How God Blesses Grateful Hearts
      November 21, 2021
    • Shelter in the Storm
      October 31, 2021
    • Triumph Over Stressful Times
      October 24, 2021
    • Faith to Get You Through
      October 17, 2021
    • God’s Plan For a New You
      October 10, 2021
    • Weakness Is the Way
      October 3, 2021
    • Jesus’ Secrets of Resilience
      September 26, 2021
    • Store It or Pour It
      September 19, 2021
    • The Cost of Going Off
      September 12, 2021
    • How to Keep Your Tank Filled Instead of Running on Empty
      September 5, 2021
    • How to Trust God When You Don’t Like the Changes in Your Life
      August 29, 2021
    • How to Be Happy No Matter What Happens
      August 22, 2021
    • Finding the Strength to Keep Going When I’m Emotionally Worn Out
      August 15, 2021
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