All human beings want to be happy, yet for many people it seems to be the most elusive of human conditions. 

A person can spend a lifetime in pursuit of happiness and never find it.  Solomon searched for happiness in the accumulation of wealth, in the arms of many beautiful women, in music and finery, even in the abuse of alcohol.  In the end, he concluded that obeying God was the most important key to happiness (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; also read Ecclesiastes 1-2).

Points to Build On

1. Contentment comes from a relationship with God.

Proverbs 14:14 - "The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways.  But a good man will be satisfied from above."

A key to happiness is the ability to be content regardless of what's happening around us.  This contentment comes from a close relationship with God and is achieved by spending time in prayer, Bible study and meditating on God and His ways.

2. The human condition is a mixture of happiness and sadness.

Proverbs 14:13 - "Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, And the end of mirth may be grief."

It is important to keep a perspective that joy, happiness, sadness and grief are all human emotions that everyone experiences from time to time.

3. Anxiety is a root of depression while serving others can lift depression.

Proverbs 12:25 - "Anxiety in the heart of a man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad."

A source of depression is anxiety and worry.  Depression can become so debilitating that a person no longer has the energy to face life's problems.  This leads to more worry and anxiety.  A key to breaking this cycle is to change your perspective by doing good works for others.

4. Delayed success can cause discouragement.

Proverbs 13:12 - "Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life."

5. Sadness breeds loneliness.

Proverbs 14:10 - "The heart knows its own bitterness, And a stranger does not share its joy."

Life is meant to be shared in close relationships with others.  Bitterness tends to drive a person to avoid others and shun the encouragement he or she needs.  Close friends and relatives can help carry the burden of sadness.

6. Negative emotions cause physical health problems, while positive emotions cause good health.

Proverbs 17:22 - "A merry heart does good like a medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones."

Proverbs 18:14 - "The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?"

7. Emotions are communicated in our expressions and posture.

Proverbs 15:13 - "A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by the sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken."

8. Treating others' depression or discouragement lightly will make their hurt worse.

Proverbs 25:20 - "Like the one who takes away a garment in cold weather, And like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart."

Application

Happiness and sadness are experiences in each person's life.  Contentment, a vital key to happiness, begins with a close relationship with God.