This document provides a weekly schedule of "Quiet Times" from May 14-18, 2012. Each day focuses on a different aspect of finding true happiness through serving God rather than chasing after happiness or relying on people and possessions. The key lessons are that true happiness comes from pursuing righteousness, contentment in all circumstances, trusting in God rather than people, and seeking God's kingdom through service rather than material goods. True blessedness and spiritual happiness are defined by Christ's teachings of humility, mercy, and obedience to God.

1. This Week’s Quiet Times: May 14-18, 2012
THE KEYS TO HAPPINESS
MONDAY
It is stated in the Declaration of Independence that
everyone of us has the right to the pursuit of happiness, but
is happiness something we should pursue or chase after?
The flesh says yes but what does the Spirit say?
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 reads “Everything is permissible -
but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible -
but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his
own good, but rather the good of others.” Read the
following passages and assemble a list of the things the
Spirit of God teaches us to pursue which are beneficial to
us. Proverbs 21:21; 1Timothy 6:11-16; 2Timothy
2:22. Do you see the word happiness in any of these passages? Could we gain happiness
as a result of pursuing these things which the Spirit says to pursue? Read Ecclesiastes
2:24-26. Who does God give happiness to - those who please themselves or those who
please Him? Serve Him and you will understand that happiness is not something you need
to pursue, rather it is a result of your service!!
TUESDAY
Today’s quiet time will review what we began
looking at last Friday. Read Philippians 4:1-13.
Paul learned to be content (happy) whatever the
circumstances. What were his circumstances when
he wrote this letter (see chapter 1)? How do you
think you would have felt in Paul’s circumstances?
Would you have felt happy? What was the secret
he learned? Notice in verse 9 the key to having
peace (happiness) - What was this happiness a
result of? Practice the things the Lord has taught
you and you will experience the same peace as
Paul!! “For no matter how many promises God has
made, they are YES in Christ.” (2Cor.1:20)
WEDNESDAY
What did we chase after in the world to make us happy?
People, places, and things. We thought, if only I had a better
relationship - or any relationship! - I’d be happy. If only I
lived somewhere better - I’d be happy. If only I had some
nicer things - I’d be happy. If only, if only, if only! What
does the Lord teach us about these things? First let’s look at
what He says with regards to our tendency to put all our hope
in each other- our tendency to look to people to make us
happy. Read Jeremiah 17:5-13. What is our condition if we
trust in man? If we depend on the flesh for our strength and
happiness? Where does our trust and confidence belong? Do you look to people to make
you happy? What condition are you in if you do - cursed or blessed? If you are unhappy
you need to ask yourself why. Are you looking to someone, your wife or husband, your
brother or sister to make you happy? If you are you can turn it around. Trust in God!!
Serve your husband or wife, your brother or sister and you will feel the difference!! Don’t
chase after happiness like the world does. It will come to you if you serve!!

2. THURSDAY
What is our lot if we look to things (material possessions) to make us content or happy?
The world boasts about this notion with bumper stickers that read, “The one with the most
toys in the end wins!” In Christ we add the word “nothing” to this phrase. Read Luke
12:13-34. What was the rich fool putting his hope in? According to verse 19, what was
the source of his happiness? What is God’s response to this? What does the world run after
(see verses 29-34)? What should we pursue? Do you see how happiness comes as a result
of seeking and serving the Lord? Write verse 15 on an index card and meditate on it.
Praise God for the opportunity to have a happiness that is from above!! Serve and
experience it!
FRIDAY
The word “blessed” means supremely blest, fortunate, well off, happy. How is this different
from the world’s definition of happiness. Read Matthew 5:1-12 and Luke 6:20-36 and
note what it takes to be blessed or truly spiritually happy. What are the requirements for
blessedness as taught by the Lord? Go through each
one and ask yourself if you fit the description for
blessed. Which of the requirements are the most
difficult for you? Pray that God will show His
strength through your weaknesses. Understand that
our calling is to follow Jesus!! He came to serve and
so we are called to serve. When we truly follow we
will also truly experience a happiness that the world
can never give or know. Blessed are you who live by
the truth and who come into the light (John 3:21)!