Have you heard about the “Happiness Revolution”? It’s a hot topic, for sure! Just browse any book store and you’ll see countless shelves filled with the topic of happiness, how to attain it, attract it, keep it and develop it. There are even television shows about happiness. Just Google “happiness” and see what you find. I did as I was thinking about writing this post today. Happiness is apparently on everyone’s mind. So what does the Bible say about happiness? Here’s one passage on blessedness, which to my understanding would mean happiness.
Psalm 1:1-2 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
Here, we’re told some of the things to avoid doing and some things we should do that will make us blessed or happy.
- not walking in the counsel of the ungodly.
- not standing in the path of sinners.
- not sitting in the seat of the scornful.
- delighting in the law of the Lord.
- meditating on God’s law day and night.
Here’s a scripture on joy
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” Psalm 34:5
Experiencing joy is different from happiness. Joy is an internal feeling that isn’t based on any external happening. In other words, you may be experiencing a difficult situation such as; financial pressure, physical ailments or grief, yet you have joy because joy is an internal feeling and not related to the outer happenings or circumstances that you may find yourself in. If given the choice between joy or happiness, joy wins hands down. Trials will come, but joy will see you through.
What I am anxious to see in Christian believers is a beautiful paradox. I want to see in them the joy of finding God while at the same time they are blessedly pursuing Him. I want to see in them the great joy of having God yet always wanting Him.” ~ A. W. Tozer
A Glimpse of God 