Psalm 1 Mans search for Joy

Title: Man’s search for Joy

Text: Psalm 1

Intro: Six weeks before he died, a reporter asked Elvis Presley, "Elvis, when you first started playing music, you said you wanted to be rich, famous and happy. Are you happy?" "No he replied I'm lonely as any man possibly be" he replied.

I have struggled with happiness at times during my life. In fact, they wrote a song once, “I was looking for love in all the wrong places.” My story is, “I was looking for happiness in all the wrong places.” Perhaps you to struggle with being happy, so this morning I want to tackle the question, where does a man find happiness.

As you read a Psalm more times than not there is one central idea. Here in the 1st Psalm you find the idea is the one who is happy or joyful in his relationship with God.

CPS: This morning I want to show from Scripture that Joy is not found in one’s circumstances but in one’s position.

If you are searching for Joy do not look in the ways of the wicked. 1:1, 4-5, 6b

The word blessed (as’er) is understood as being the man who is happy and secure. A better term would be the man who has found true Joy.

Their advice will lead you astray.

Their company will lead you to sin.

Their position will lead you to destruction.

Mocker -arrogant fool who despises God and refuses discipline and correction. BILL MAHR

counsel, way, and seat—emphasize that the righteous avoid thinking like, behaving like, and dealing with the wicked. Progressively you will become like them and there is no joy found in them.

If you are searching for Joy look for it in the ways of the Lord. 1:2-3, 6a

His was will plant you.

His ways will nourish you.

His ways will mature you.

His ways will deliver you.