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Pastor Steven Furtick preaching "The Hard Work Of Happiness" at Elevation Church

The Hard Work Of Happiness

July 19, 2023
• 51min. read
•
eGroups

Conversation Starters

  • We’re praying for the middle and high schoolers attending our 3-day summer camp YTHX 22 this week. If you could share a message with your 16-year-old self, what would it be?

  • Pastor Steven and Holly Furtick recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Share something in your life that’s worthy of a celebration.

Review

Ask eGroup members to share their favorite points from the message, what spoke to them, a phrase or moment they related to the most, or questions they have. If members have a hard time recalling the message, talk through your notes and share your favorite points.

Make It Personal

  • How do you define happiness?

  • Read Psalms 126:1-6. The Israelites declared that God did great things for them. What’s something great God has done for you recently?

  • A mathematical equation for frustration is: “If I had BLANK, then I’d be happy.” Share a time you thought something would make you happy but it didn’t, or your happiness was short-lived. Why do you think you didn’t experience lasting happiness when you got that thing?

  • Pastor Steven reminds us, “negative is not my normal.” How can we practically shift away from negative thinking when facing challenges?

  • “I don’t need anyone else to say I’m blessed. If I have peace and contentment in my heart with God, I am blessed.” What areas in your life can you work on being more content?

  • Read Matthew 25:23. This passage reminds us of the good news that we can share in God’s happiness when we honor Him with our gifts, talents, and resources. How can you experience happiness by honoring God with your time or talents in this season?

  • “My joy is my job.” Identify some things that make you feel happy or bring you joy. How can you focus more on those things to improve your mindset this week?

Act On It

Psalm 126 is more than a song in the Bible –– it’s a prayer. Write your own psalm, song, or prayer to the Lord thanking Him for the things He’s delivered you from. In your psalm, include the great things God has done for you and the great things you are believing in Him for. Focus on this personal psalm whenever something challenges your happiness this week.

Prayer Requests And Prayer

Ask eGroup members to share any prayer requests they have. Record any notes or prayer requests to pray for each other during the week.Father, thank You for being the source of our happiness. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Help us focus on Your Holy Spirit whenever anything challenges our happiness this week. Shift our negative thoughts to the great things You’ve done for us. Thank you for being a good Father who cares about both our happiness and Holiness. Help us to believe that the tears we sow in this season will reap a joyful harvest for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.