Does God Want us to be Happy?

[Joseph David]

I am interested in what you think!  Do you believe God wants us to be happy?  Life in this world may make it feel as if this answer should be no, but not always?  Or could we be primarily happy with occasional hurts?  Heaven surly sounds nice:)  Thanks, JDA

[Rella]

NO

[chosenone]

Well being that He is our Dad, why wouldnt He? Thats not to say we will always be happy for all sorts of reasons, but the Bible does say that 'He has come that we may have life, life in all its fullness'. He gives us rules and guidelines to live by in order to enable us to live that fullness of life with him, but of course due to the fact that we live in a fallen world with fallen people, we often get hurt and suffer.

'The enemy comes in order to steal, kill and destroy', yes I think we know who wants us unhappy and miserable.   

[Geoffrey1973]

Of course Hew wants us to be happy, and He has told us how we can be happy.  "Blessed" means "happy".

Read the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount for a set of beattitudes that will tell you how to be happy in Jesus.

(apart from "to trust and obey"  )

The Sermon on the Mount is found in Matthew 5-7, by the way.  All red letters (If your Bible has them).

[geronimo]

A good read here.

http://www.gotquestions.org/joy-happiness.html

[TruthScientist]

happiness is a part of joy... looking at the world and deciding what God wants or does not want is dangerous and a sign that we may not know who HE is and what HE is about...

that fact that happiness is as fleeting as it is and depends upon how we view stuff...  joy is miles above happiness which is usually tied to temporal things... 

the only true thing to be happy about today is the fact that we know that Jesus Christ is soon coming to this earth for a church without spot or wrinkle... and he will find ONE because of HIS blood...

[mommydi]

happiness is a part of joy... looking at the world and deciding what God wants or does not want is dangerous and a sign that we may not know who HE is and what HE is about...

that fact that happiness is as fleeting as it is and depends upon how we view stuff...  joy is miles above happiness which is usually tied to temporal things... 

the only true thing to be happy about today is the fact that we know that Jesus Christ is soon coming to this earth for a church without spot or wrinkle... and he will find ONE because of HIS blood...

TruthScientist, in the past, I've heard people say things like, "Don't let anyone steal your joy." If joy is above happiness, and happiness is tied to temporal things, then is it even possible for another human to steal one's joy? I have my own ideas, but would like to hear yours.

[TruthScientist]

heard it to mommydi...  never really thought about it because your joy can not be stolen...  it is gift Gal. 5:22...

I would think that people are saying is that they believe others can take your joy in some way. 

I would suspect that they are talking about people saying or doing things that cause you to lose focus and allow the enemy to attack your thought process or imagination...

[mommydi]

Thank you, TruthScientist. That's very comforting. 

[TruthScientist]

Thank you, TruthScientist. That's very comforting. 

Another aspect of the Joy of the Holy Spirit upon man is to me found in Paul's letters, especially the prison epistles.  When you read those letters if you were not told you could not detect that the man is sitting in a dingy prison.  The love and concern that exudes from those letters are par excellence...

that is joy that Paul exhibited in spite of his circumstances... awesome

also James 1:2,3

[Texas Conservative]

"God wants me to be happy" is now used as an excuse to continue in sin.

[mommydi]

"God wants me to be happy" is now used as an excuse to continue in sin.

Kind of like the gospel of prosperity? TV preachers taking the last thin dime of widow ladies, and using the money to buy mega-mansions and jet planes - all because God wants them to be happy and successful in life?

[k-pappy]

Do you believe God wants us to be happy? 

That depends on exactly what it is your are asking.

If you are asking "Does God want us to 'feel good' all the time?" The answer is a no.

If you are asking "Does God want what is best for us?" The answer is a resounding yes.

[MeMyself]

I think, rather than being happy, God wants this from our lives

Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

As for me, I'm not there yet, but isn't it good to know that Gods good work in us will be completed?  I have great hope that my character will continue to mature to the point of honestly being able to live this verse out and have it be truth.

[chosenone]

True peace and joy are inner happiness.

[mclees8]

I think, rather than being happy, God wants this from our lives

Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

As for me, I'm not there yet, but isn't it good to know that Gods good work in us will be completed?  I have great hope that my character will continue to mature to the point of honestly being able to live this verse out and have it be truth.

Why I have joy. Because I know Christ and my sins have been forgiven.
I have joy because I know our hope is eternal and not temporal. As It was stated already Jesus came that we migh have life and have it more unbundle. We can have that because of what I already stated. Joy can never be established in us if we look to temporal things. I rains upon the just and the unjust. Sorrows comes at night but joy comes in the morning
Jeuse said in this life we will have tribulations but be of Good cheer I have overcome the world

[MeMyself]

I think, rather than being happy, God wants this from our lives

Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

As for me, I'm not there yet, but isn't it good to know that Gods good work in us will be completed?  I have great hope that my character will continue to mature to the point of honestly being able to live this verse out and have it be truth.

Why I have joy. Because I know Christ and my sins have been forgiven.
I have joy because I know our hope is eternal and not temporal. As It was stated already Jesus came that we migh have life and have it more unbundle. We can have that because of what I already stated. Joy can never be established in us if we look to temporal things. I rains upon the just and the unjust. Sorrows comes at night but joy comes in the morning
Jeuse said in this life we will have tribulations but be of Good cheer I have overcome the world

Glad for you Mclees that you can speak just as Paul did and mean it! That is awesome! 

[Jason_NC]

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

James 1:2
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

He wants us to have joy regardless of our circumstances.

But he cares more that we are holy, so if sin makes you happy, then no.

[TruthScientist]

I know that joy is a gift from God Gal 5...  The die has been cast, if we walk in the power of God and the knowledge of Him and His kingdom how can we be denied joy even in the midst of the storm which I have been told is the true exemplification of Joy which is above and beyond happiness...

I say it can not be denied if we do what we are to do.  Paul in the midst of prison wrote letters expressing his joy and love for churches now that is joy unspeakable Joy...

[Catholica]

I am interested in what you think!  Do you believe God wants us to be happy?  Life in this world may make it feel as if this answer should be no, but not always?  Or could we be primarily happy with occasional hurts?  Heaven surly sounds nice:)  Thanks, JDA

Yes, God wants us to be happy, but we can't necessarily find happiness in this world, but if we persevere by the grace of God, we will find it in the next.

[geronimo]

Well, I dearly love to be happy. But, it has its drawbacks, in that people look at you like you're crazy when they see you clapping your hands, stomping your feet and shouting hooray. Especially when you're in a restaurant.
Blessings

[TruthScientist]

yeah and sometimes even at church Geronimo...

[dga]

The real meaning of the word 'Eden', that is the garden in which Adam and Eve were placed, after their creation from God, means 'enjoyment'. So obviously God wants us to be happy. Jesus gave us his own joy. The Bible says in psalm 16, that God delights in us, the christians, his children.

[Charlie24]

This world is not our home, we can't be happy in what we see, sin, greed, and injustice.

Peter said that joy and happiness come from what we can't see.

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 1Peter 1:8.

Paul told the Philippians, if he had his choice he would rather die and go to be with the Lord, but it was needful for them that he remain.

Satan offers the pleasures of the world right now in this life, but the end of this pleasure is death.

Christ offers suffering in this world, but the end is joy unspeakable and full of glory for eternity.

We can only have true joy and happiness in this life by what we can't see. That is faith in Christ and His promises for those who choose His way.

If we judge our happiness on our jobs, our finances, how we are treated, we will not find happiness that has eternal meaning. All these things are temporary.

We must learn as Paul did, in whatsoever state I find myself in this life, I am content. His joy was in what he couldn't see, His faith in Jesus Christ and what will be for eternity.

[mclees8]

 I believe it is about joy. Joy coms from inner peace with God.  Happiness is more of a worldly thing I think. In the world it is just fleeting but joy that comes from knowing Christ is eternal. Jesus said in this life we will have problems Happiness then can only be temporal.

[doorknocker]

Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.


Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding.


And who trusts in the Lord, happy is he.


If you know these things,  happy are you if you do them.


Blessed is everyone that fears the Lord, that walks in His ways,

for you shall eat the labor of your hands;

happy shall you be, and it shall be well with you.


Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects,  therefore despise not the

chastening of the Almighty.





Does God want us happy?



YES!!!

[MeMyself]

Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.


Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding.


And who trusts in the Lord, happy is he.


If you know these things,  happy are you if you do them.


Blessed is everyone that fears the Lord, that walks in His ways,

for you shall eat the labor of your hands;

happy shall you be, and it shall be well with you.


Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects,  therefore despise not the

chastening of the Almighty.





Does God want us happy?



YES!!!

You believe that He does...but you scolded me for being happy and joking around a few weeks ago, Doorknocker.

I guess happiness must be limited to being sober of spirit. 

[Hexalpa]

Jesus came so that we would have Life more abundantly, I believe he said.
That's growing in the Lord.

Happy no, I don't think that cuts it. 

[doorknocker]

Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.


Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding.


And who trusts in the Lord, happy is he.


If you know these things,  happy are you if you do them.


Blessed is everyone that fears the Lord, that walks in His ways,

for you shall eat the labor of your hands;

happy shall you be, and it shall be well with you.


Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects,  therefore despise not the

chastening of the Almighty.





Does God want us happy?



YES!!!

You believe that He does...but you scolded me for being happy and joking around a few weeks ago, Doorknocker.

I guess happiness must be limited to being sober of spirit. 

Did not realize that silly talk is the same as being happy.

Let there be no filthiness, nor silly talk, nor levity, which are not fitting,

but instead let there be thanksgiving.

[mommydi]

Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.


Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding.


And who trusts in the Lord, happy is he.


If you know these things,  happy are you if you do them.


Blessed is everyone that fears the Lord, that walks in His ways,

for you shall eat the labor of your hands;

happy shall you be, and it shall be well with you.


Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects,  therefore despise not the

chastening of the Almighty.





Does God want us happy?



YES!!!

You believe that He does...but you scolded me for being happy and joking around a few weeks ago, Doorknocker.

I guess happiness must be limited to being sober of spirit. 

Did not realize that silly talk is the same as being happy.

Let there be no filthiness, nor silly talk, nor levity, which are not fitting,

but instead let there be thanksgiving.

It's beyond me why any man would want to dampen a woman's lighthearted mood.

[mommydi]

You believe that He does...but you scolded me for being happy and joking around a few weeks ago, Doorknocker.

I guess happiness must be limited to being sober of spirit. 

Being in an environment where lightheartedness, laughter, and smiles are discouraged, is depressing as all get out. It kills the spirit. Ugh.
Keep up your good-humored, witty posts, mm!

[MeMyself]

You believe that He does...but you scolded me for being happy and joking around a few weeks ago, Doorknocker.

I guess happiness must be limited to being sober of spirit. 

Being in an environment where lightheartedness, laughter, and smiles are discouraged, is depressing as all get out. It kills the spirit. Ugh.
Keep up your good-humored, witty posts, mm!

Thanks!

[MeMyself]

Did not realize that silly talk is the same as being happy.

Says you.  Making people laugh is a blessing and a JOY in my life.

Let there be no filthiness, nor silly talk, nor levity, which are not fitting,

but instead let there be thanksgiving.

  I wasn't using filthy talk nor was I letting my words be unwholesome, yet you came in to try to hush and shame me.  So very sad.

The best way I know how to be thankful is to be joyful with my words and spread the joy around.

God bless!

[chosenone]

As a mother I want my children to be happy, so I cant see why Our Dad wouldnt want the same thing as long as we are in relationship with Him and walking with Him. He gave us emotions and I see Jesus as having had many happy times of laughter when he lived in earth. I am sure he didnt go round being a right old misery guts, or He wouldn't have been a man who so many followed and loved.  I am pretty sure that Adam and Eve were very happy in their home before satan got in, and Jesus has come to restore what satan took away.

Of course we will also have many times of sadness and pain because we live in a fallen world, but I am pretty sure we will be VERY happy in heaven.

[mclees8]

With happiness we also have sadness. therefore it is like the illusive butterfly. You cannot be 100% happy just as you cannot be 100& sad. We are emotional creatures with our ups and downs. What one thing can be constant? Inner peace can be constant if we walk in the spirit knowing Christ has redeemed us and the he said he would never leave us or forsake us.  Our joy is the precious promises of God