Many things promise us happiness, for example the advertisement.

But if at all, the smiles last only for a while.

What gives us real contentment and inner joy? In order to answer that, we need to look first at the opposite: what takes away our joy? There are fears, sometimes subconsciously, that rob our joy. But all that has been overcome. Christ has won the victory!

Rejoicing in sorrow? Being happy despite problems – is that possible?

Often it seems as if only the healthy, wealthy and successful can be happy.

But if we dig deeper, we find out that it is not always like that, sometimes it is even opposite. Those who made the biggest career might not be joyful inside, while those who have only few possessions are often found more joyful, their hope is in the Lord.

Help for the helpless – in which points or areas of life do you feel helpless?

Many claim that they do not need help, they seem to have everything under control.

Others are more honest and admit that there are things in which they need help.

The psalmist knew about that, we can learn a lot from his insights and prayers.

Do you know of times of so much trouble that you almost want to give up? You are overwhelmed and almost fainting away?

There are many types of enemies, troubles and traps.

But the one helper is bigger than all that.

There is a great prayer that we should learn in order to be prepare for such times.

At which point are you in the journey of life?

Do you at times feel as if things do not go ahead, there is no progress?

We might be crushed or broken, yet do not give up! There is hope and help available.

Whether things are perfect or whether the way is tough, remember the goal.

What is the source of life?

It is obvious that the parents have given life to the child, who later grows up.

But how do we find a fulfilled life?

How can we know whether a sermon tells the truth? How can we find out whether a book or an article are based on the reality?

Does your reputation matter to you? Some people care a lot about their reputation, others claim that they do not care. But somehow it matters to everybody.

The question is: the reputation at whose end do we care? Do you mainly focus on what your boss thinks about you? Or your colleagues? Or what your neighbours say? Or the opinion of other people of society?

Whom do you admire?

People of all times have admired the famous people, those that have special abilities, extraordinary skills.

A lot of things change over the centuries, and it looks as if the change is getting faster and faster. But some things remain. The one who deserves the highest admiration, he also remains. 

What characteristics does a good relationship have between a mentor and a mentee, between parents and their children, between a good teacher and eager students willing to learn?

They know each other.

They trust each other.

And we can learn much more from Psalm 23.