"Spiritual Happiness"

            During January and February, I am preaching a sermon series on the question, “Would You Like to Be a Happier Person?”  Personal happiness has been an important, trending topic for the past years.  In this sermon series, I will explore the keys to true and lasting happiness from the perspective of Christian faith.  In my own personal experience, my Christian faith has been foundational for happiness and flourishing.   

We know that human persons are multi-dimensional, including intellectual, physical, social, psychological, and spiritual dimensions.  This Sunday, January 31st, we will be exploring the spiritual dimensions of authentic happiness.  There are currently a number of social scientists who have focused their empirical research on what makes persons truly happy.  Their research suggests that truly happy people have seven characteristics in common.  One of these core characteristics is spiritual well-being, or a sense of meaning and being part of something bigger than oneself.  While this sense of meaning and spirituality does not have to correlate with a traditional world religion, such as Christianity, it does suggest that strong Christian faith and discipleship can form the foundation for a happy and flourishing life in this world

So, this week we will focus on “spiritual happiness,” as part of the key to living a good and happy life.  Our foundational scripture will be 1 Kings 19: 11-13, which is from the story of the prophet Elijah.  In this story, Elijah has fled out into the wilderness and is living in a cave.  Depressed to the point of being suicidal and all alone, Elijah prays that God will come and speak to him.  Elijah looks for God’s Presence in a fierce wind, an earthquake, and a fire.  Yet, God is in none of these natural events.  Finally, God speaks to Elijah through a “still, small voice,” and Elijah is comforted and rejuvenated.

            Taking some lessons from the story of Elijah, my message will explore the spiritual dimensions of authentic happiness.  I will describe what it means to “be spiritual,” and look at different, individual forms of spirituality.  One of the most difficult challenges for many persons is finding time to nurture and develop our spiritual lives.  I will suggest some strategies for finding time for daily prayer and spiritual growth—and, I will suggest a few spiritual practices which may be helpful for spiritual growth and nurture.  My hope is that this message will help everyone strengthen their spiritual health—and become happier persons.

If you live in Lincoln and do not have a regular church home, I invite you to join us this Sunday, as we explore the keys to spiritual fulfillment and happiness.  Christ United Methodist Church is located at 4530 A Street in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Our classic worship services are at 8:30 and 11:00 on Sunday mornings. 

 Everyone is welcome and accepted because God loves us all.