What Does The Bible Say About Happiness?

Happiness is a sweet state of being that we all long for. There are many things in life that can make us happy, including family, friends, success, and countless kinds of celebrations. Each one of us has experienced happiness in this world and we love to be wrapped up in that emotion. We want to be in situations where everything feels bright and beautiful. Happiness is more than just the ability to smile and laugh. It is a feeling inside of us that is truly priceless. To be happy means being content, satisfied, and delightful. It is about enjoying the pleasure and cheerfulness of life. 

For us to truly understand what happiness means and how we can enjoy it forever, we need to know what the Bible has to say about it. Unlike any other books or manuals that teach you how to find happiness in this world, the Bible teaches us how to live a happy life forever. Yes, everlasting happiness is extremely possible if we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Apart from giving us wisdom and knowledge on how to be happy forever, the Bible also teaches us how to experience happiness, despite the sorrows and challenges in life. This is what makes the Word of God unique among all other books in the world. The Word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.). More importantly, the Word of God is true. If we want to dig deeper into the true and precise meaning of happiness, we need no other books than the Bible, and we need no other tour guide than the Holy Spirit.

The Pursuit of Happiness

It is the nature of man to seek joy and pleasure. Even if you don’t tell or train your children how to be happy, they will always have an urge to pursue it. Instinctively, naturally, and pre-cognitively, every single one of us wants to be happy, so we pursue it with all our might and knowledge. The only problem is that, sometimes, we look for happiness in the wrong places and in the wrong objects. There is no doubt that our families, friends, and successes in life can give us happiness, but this is limited to just a moment. Moments in this world fade and life eventually withers. If you want to find true and eternal happiness, you need to seek God. Our God is a great God and you can ask for happiness from Him (Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.). Happiness according to the Bible is about more than just “feeling great or good”.

The happiness that God brings into our lives is deep, and sometimes mysterious, but surely powerful. This is because God can give us happiness even if we are walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Happiness from God can make us smile, despite loss, failure, poverty, calamities, or even death. The happiness we can find in Jesus Christ is worth more than all the smiles and laughter you have experienced in your lifetime. Yes, the happiness found in Christ is truly amazing, just like His love.

An Infinite and Everlasting Happiness

Believe it or not, it is only God that can turn your mourning into gladness (Jeremiah 31:13). He is a Supreme Being who gives us comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Happiness that comes from the world is fleeting, but happiness from God is everlasting. The definition of happiness in the Bible is far more meaningful than the definition found in even our best and reliable dictionaries. Happy are those who believe in the name of Jesus, for they are considered blessed. To be a Christian means to be joyful. The happiness found in the hearts of Christian people is more genuine than any other. The Bible tells us to “consider it all joy, when we encounter various trials” (James 1:2). Amidst difficulties and struggles in life, Christians should still feel joyful and happy, because the testing of our faith produces endurance. In verses 3 to 4 of James, it is said, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” As we navigate through life’s storms and trials, we must trust that God is always ready and willing to help us. Once our faith strengths and become mature, no trials or problems in this world can make us feel despondent ever again. By God’s grace in Jesus Christ, Christians can experience happiness, regardless of their circumstances. 

It is true that happiness can come from the world (Hebrews 11:25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.), but these pleasures are not perfect. Instead of pursuing happiness of this world, we are encouraged to experience happiness or joy that is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). The blessing that comes from the Lord enriches us, and He adds no sorrow to it (Proverbs 10:22). The happiness of the world is hollow, but the happiness of the Lord is rich, abundant, and everlasting. You don’t want happiness that fades with time; you want happiness that goes on and on forever. Pursue the highest pleasure, and pursue Jesus! Don’t settle for lesser joys…enjoy Jesus Christ instead. Make God your treasure and you will be rewarded, not only in this lifetime, but also in the life that is yet to come. Trust in the name of Jesus and picture:

Isaiah 35:10

and those the LORD has rescued will return.They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads.Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” (NIV).