A small boy loses the raffle at a family picnic, and when his father explains that he simply had no luck, he asks through tears: but what is this happiness? The sermon sets the answers of philosophers and whole cultures, from the American dream to Scandinavian prosperity, against the definition given in Psalm 128: happy is the one who lives in the fear of the Lord. The images of a fruitful vine, children around the table and the fruit of one’s labour turn out to be not a formula but a taste of blessing that reaches beyond a single lifetime. Listen if you want to test what you are really measuring your happiness by.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Psalm 128 was one of the songs sung by pilgrims travelling to the temple in Jerusalem. What might the words about the happiness of those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways have meant to them?
- According to the sermon, the images of work, a wife like a fruitful vine and children like olive shoots speak of fulfilment, closeness and multiplying good. Why does it matter to read them as a metaphor rather than a recipe for happiness?
- Which of the ideas of happiness mentioned in the sermon (health and family, success, prosperity, inner harmony) shapes your thinking most, and how does it compare with the definition in Psalm 128?
- How do you understand the fear of the Lord as an attitude of respect, awe and humility in which God has the first and last word? How is it different from ordinary fear?
- The speaker admitted it frightens him when someone says: I know what God says, but I will do otherwise. In which area of life do you find it hardest to accept God's definitions of good and evil when they are not convenient?
- The psalmist speaks a blessing that reaches the community and future generations. Over whom can you intentionally speak words of blessing this week, perhaps even someone who has hurt you?
