Everybody wants to be happy, so it makes sense that there are a plethora of articles and books with a similar title as this one. Happiness is defined by the Oxford dictionary as “the state of feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.” The definition is somewhat personal because what makes one person happy may not be fulfilling to another. What would make you happy? That’s the question. Then it would also make sense to match our definition and requirement for happiness with God’s word.
First, let’s understand why there isn’t total happiness in the world and why happiness seems to be so elusive. God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden which was beyond compare. They had everything they needed at their disposal. They had intimate communion with their Creator and had every reason to enjoy a sense of happiness every moment of every day. When sin entered the world through their disobedience to the one command to not eat of the tree in the midst of the garden, their fellowship with God was broken, they were expelled from the garden, and death came upon every man.
Genesis 3:7–8 (ESV) — 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
Genesis 3:23–24 (ESV) — 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.
Romans 5:12 (ESV) — 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—
Secondly, the only way to true happiness in this life is to submit to God and His word, beginning with a relationship with God through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and continuing in the power of the Holy Spirit, living and growing in what God has revealed of Himself and how we should live as found in the Bible
Romans 10:8–13 (ESV) — 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Thirdly, take note of the numerous ways the Bible is clear about finding happiness, or as some translations call it being “blessed.”
Happiness is found in understanding what God has done for you in salvation, something undeserved but yours by His grace alone.
Deuteronomy 33:29 (ESV) — 29 Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Your enemies shall come fawning to you, and you shall tread upon their backs.”
Happiness is found in living with a servant attitude, like the men who counted it a privilege to serve King Solomon.
1 Kings 10:8 (ESV) — 8 Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!
Happiness or blessing is found when God disciplines us, taking note that He only does so to those who are His real children.
Job 5:17 (ESV) — 17 “Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.
Happiness is found in discovering and doing the will of God, finding help and hope in Him alone.
Psalm 128:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! 2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
Psalm 146:5 (ESV) — 5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God,
Happiness is found in applying your heart to glean wisdom and understanding from God.
Proverbs 3:13 (ESV) — 13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,
Happiness is found in being a generous person because it reflects the image of God.
Proverbs 14:21 (ESV) — 21 Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.
If you want to be happy, instructions abound in the Bible. When God by His grace humbles you to seek after Him, He will also direct your steps and the way in which He leads you will be the path of true happiness in knowing, serving, and finding contentment in Him.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
