Coach: Ask your student to read out-loud the below title and the text in the two boxes. Then ask them to comment on how often they actually think one way versus the other way.
So, what’s all this got to do with being happy?
If you view God with the eyes of your Fallen nature, you will see Him as rewarding you with favorable circumstances, or punishing you with unfavorable circumstances, all based on His approval or disapproval of your actions. Your quest for happiness will be a futile pursuit of constantly trying to keep on God’s good side so your life will be a pleasant one—but since God doesn’t really work that way, you will often be surprised at the apparent capriciousness and unpredictability of God and ultimately end up questioning His goodness.
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On the other hand, if you see God as desiring to share all the riches of His kingdom with you, not because of what you have done, but because of what Jesus has done, then you will see that it really is true that God causes all things to work together for your good. This will open up to you avenues to desire and take hold of the great riches God has for you in Christ Jesus, and that will be the source of your joy, which will become an ever increasing joy.
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An opportunity for spiritual training:
As you pursue happiness in your life, you will see it as either a result of getting fulfilled physically, or you will see it as something that comes from trusting in the provisions of God for your fulfillment.
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Realize that first and foremost to live (now) in the blessed state of the kingdom of Heaven, you have to resist the requirement for fair exchange that is imposed by your Fallen nature (
Matt 5:3-12“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ). The world operates on the processes of reciprocity (the fairness of perceived equitable exchange), but you need to divorce your sense of satisfaction from this Fallen nature concept of “what is fair. ” (“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (ESV) Matt 5:38-42“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” (ESV) )
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Coach: Have your student read the text on the left out-loud. Have them explain what the included Bible verses have to do with what it says. Then discuss the questions and Bible verse below with your student.
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For discussion with your coach:
- With your coach, explore words that represent joy in your life, that comes from the blessings you have from being invited into God’s Kingdom. With your coach, create a list of blessings that are yours because you are now in the Kingdom of Heaven with Christ. This list should at least reflect on love, joy, peace, and the presence of all that is good.
- How can you be more excited about life, especially when circumstances don’t seem fair? Does it help you find your commitment to God and others by focusing on the affection He has for them and that He wants to express through you for them? What does it mean to realize that this is not a duty to them —it is an ongoing celebration of the love God for them because of what Jesus has earned for them?
- Whenever you feel that you have done your part and God is not being fair, STOP. Spend time reflecting on the enormity of the unmerited favor that has come to you by the finished work of Jesus Christ (Luke 12: 32).“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (ESV)
