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.
But What Is Happiness?
On the Journey
Travel and conversation complement each other perfectly. It’s best to travel in good company, because then every journey becomes an opportunity to exchange thoughts, but also to enjoy shared silence. Summer, a time of vacations and trips, is a good time to remind ourselves that God is the most important companion on our journey-including the greatest one of all, called life. And since we’re already journeying with Him, it’s worth enjoying conversation-in addition to those moments when we’re silent and simply enjoy each other’s presence.
That is why this summer we will read a series of psalms known as the “pilgrim” or “traveling” psalms, because they were recited during the journey to Jerusalem. It is a journey through the twists and turns of life-from sorrow and loneliness to community and worship. Yet the most important thing about it is that we can walk and talk with God Himself.
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22 sermons
