The Blessed Life

Introduction:

· John Calvin’s perspective on country Music?

Transition:

I) Happy People Are Grounded (vv. 3-4)

A. We Seek the “Happy” Life

i. The Psalms Open with A Promise of “Blessing” – or Happiness

1. The very first word is “Blessed” which means a state of happiness

2. Christians are suspicious “happiness” but we were created for it

ii. Happiness is a billion-dollar business, with many elusive ideas

1. Sheryl Crow: “If it makes you happy” (do what feels good)

2. Karlie Kloss: “A warm cookie” (simple pleasures)

3. Bo Derek: “…doesn’t know where to shop” (material things)

B. The Happy Life: Chaff, or Tree? (vv. 3-4)

i. But: Some who will live in such a way that they do not and cannot endure

1. The Image: contrasting what lasts and something that doesn’t

2. Translation: What looks attractive, compelling, etc. may be dust

ii. AND: others will live in such a way that they are anchored, secure, productive

1. A deeply-rooted tree is a life that can withstand high winds, and even “seasons” where the leaves fall (yet it is still alive)

2. A deeply rooted tree is a life that is productive, flourishing, meaningful

WHICH ONE ARE YOU

II) Happy People are Righteous (vv. 1-2)

A. Happiness Cannot Be found Among the Wicked (vs. 1)

i. Evil has to do with the influences that are around us

1. Walking (at a crosswalk)àstanding (at a party)àsitting (at a table)

2. APPLICATION: Gary copier company faced increasing ethical pressures

ii. Evil is Progressive

1. The progression from committing evil to laughing at righteousness

1. APPLICATION: Who has influence over you?

B. Happiness is Found in Delighting in God’s Word (vs. 2)

i. Instead, happiness delights in God’s word

1. True happiness is found not merely obeying, but delighting in God’s word

2. If we delight in God’s Word, we will mediate upon it

ii. How to Mediate Upon God’s Word

1. APPLICATION: not just reading, studying, but speaking to your heart

2. EXAMPLE: Anxious: You can read/hear the bible, but then you can do as the Psalmist does: “Why are you downcast…” (See Philippians 4:6 and Psalm 42:5)

Psalm 42:5 (ESV)

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Transition:

III) Happy People Look Outside Themselves (vv. 5-6)

A. Delighting in God’s Word will Lead to Despair

i. The Conclusion: Happiness is found in the perfect righteousness of the Law…

1. At the end of the Psalm, “righteousness” is introduced as the goal

2. APPLICATION: If you mediate on God’s word, sooner or later you see that the happiness of righteousness is demanding!

ii. …which we lack!

1. EXAMPLE: “Do not murder…”

2. This means that the happiness that we long for is always out of reach

B. Being rooted in the True Vine Can Give us Life That Will Endure Through Death

i. Jesus delighted in & obeyed God’s Law but was driven away like chaff

1. Jesus is alone in all history in his delight & obedience

2. Jesus was “laid in the dust of death” & didn’t stand in Judgment (Ps. 22:15)

Psalm 22:15 ESV

my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death.

ii. True happiness is found in Christ, in whom we can withstand even judgment!

1. Therefore Jesus gives us his righteousness so that we can stand through judgment

2. And Jesus is that true tree that will nourish us for eternal life

Transition:

Conclusion

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