In all that he does, he prospers. This bold, happy confidence in God is not only an expression of trusting love in him; it also makes us feel lovingly expansive and encouraging toward others because were filled with hope in God. Today. Laughter has the ability to lift the spirits but it can also dampen them. You don't have to teach children to lie; they will do it on their own. As you . Luke 6:21 - Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. When David sinned with Bathsheba, he was miserable until he confessed his sins and prayed, Restore to me the joy of Your salvation (Ps. So repent and live! He wants us to meditate on some promise hes made us until we experience the paralyzing effects of fear melting away and our courage rising. Love Him who made them (cited by Piper, Sovereign Joy, p. 71). True joy and gladness come only as we continually know Gods presence and walk in His paths of holiness. James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. He even does it himself! 36 Uplifting Bible Verses About Finding Happiness - Woman's Day Clearly, a person living in sin could not be happy in Gods holy presence. Job 8:21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. 25 Bible Verses about Happiness - Rejoice in the Lord! - Crosswalk He had it partially right. When Jonah disobeyed God, he tried to run from Gods presence (Jonah 1:3, 10). HOLDING FAST IN PRAYER (LUKE 18:1-8) - Facebook Start your free trial today! Scripture Quotes about Happiness. They steal because they think that having material possessions will satisfy. I believe this is what Jesus referenced when He admonished His disciples in Gethsemane, "Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41CloseMatthew 26:41 God wants us to do it. And it's an enemy of joy. King James Bible. Pastor Imparts Wisdom for Overcoming Anxiety and Depression. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture Quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, Updated Edition The Lockman Foundation, Related Topics: Sanctification, Spiritual Life, Steve served as the pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship from May, 1992 through his retirement in December, 2018. Does God want us to [], Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. I am simply guilty, and God decided this for us all Philippians 4:4 ~ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. It can reduce stress hormones, increase the good kind of cholesterol and decrease the inflammation of our arteries. Only when youre ready to die are you ready to live. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) He wants us to be happy. Ecclesiastes 2:24 Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. But if you can believe it, Gods dominant theme is joy. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. In his excellent book, The Legacy of Sovereign Joy, John Piper observes (p. 146). 27:9; Is. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. The godly George Muller used to say that the chief business of every day is first of all to seek to be truly at rest and happy in God (A. T. Pierson, George Muller of Bristol [Revell], p. 257; see also pp. D I don't wish to defend a particular theological position, but I do find the concept useful to understand the daily battle that Christians fight. 6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[ a] will also reap bountifully. As John Piper puts it, God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.. Proverbs 16:20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he. What better place to find joy than by reflecting on the good things God has done for us? He was blessed and at peace. I love this verse because its a good reminder that no matter what kind of difficulty were currently experiencing in life, there is always a bright future ahead. The timing of laughter In a similar way that timing is vital in the delivery of a joke, it's also key when it comes to laughter. Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 16 Bible Verses On True Happiness That Will Make You Smile 16:11). This holds true with every man and women of the Bible. P All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. The one who lives for sinful desires is on the way that leads to destruction and death. The Expanded Bible: New Testament - eBook. Copyright 2018 Possible Thinking by Jessica Cox. For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord GOD. The battle for holiness is a battle to be fought mainly by fueling the fires of our passion for Christ. I love that joy is the very essence of Gods character! When he was in the Lord and his faith was with the Lord. The Trinity delights in each other. In his sermon on the Day of Pentecost, Peter cited Psalm 16:8-11, and applied it to Jesus Christ (for David says of Him, Acts 2:25). Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. Does God want us to be happy? You can have true joy in this life only when you know that you will have eternal joy in the next life, after death. All Rights reserved. I do not want to see his face again? OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) Our text teaches us that . By signing up, you are consenting to our privacy policy. Here are three of my favorite Bible verses that prove God wants us to be happy. ; 42:5,6,11); because he is 'body' he has, through his senses, world-consciousness.". Luke 6:21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Biblical joy and gladness do not deny sorrow and grief. Top 17 Bible Verses-How To Hear God We talk so much about how to speak to God when we pray And [], Top 20 Bible Verses-Breaking Bad Habits Got a few bad habits? 3. Third, take time often to enjoy God in His creation. New King James Version. John 16:24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. We all face the danger of enjoying Gods gifts, but not loving Him as the One who gave these gifts to us. (Read More.) We affirm that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will reverse the curse and reign over a new universe. As Paul says in Philippians 4:12: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. How much scripture is there on being hated for Jesuss name? We can rejoice because we have the certain hope that because Jesus was raised, even so we will be raised when He returns (1 Cor. Ecclesiastes 3:4 - A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. Psalm 126:2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. God wants you to be really happy - a sermon on joy They snidely asked, "Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?" ( Micah 6:7 ). New Living Translation So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. Honesty comes only through a born-again spirit and continuously renewed mind. Therefore it becomes us to spend this life only as a journey towards heaven, as it becomes us to make the seeking of our highest end and proper good, the whole work of our lives; to which we should subordinate all other concerns of life. Copyright 2023Christian Today. Here are 16 Bible verses that will put a smile on your face and experience true happiness : Psalm 30:5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. It is somewhat debatable, but it has helped me understand our ongoing struggle against our own sinful nature even after experiencing salvation. Certainly she should love the gift. 1. Psalm 126:2 - Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. The Good News: We are taught to be scared of God's . NIGHT OF OPEN HEAVEN || DAY 46 [100 DAYS FASTING & PRAYER - Facebook OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) Does anyone want to live a lifethat is long and prosperous? Put on nice clothes and make yourself look good. We don't get happiness by aiming at it, but as by product of worthy pursuits and commitments. Then he said to them, Go your way. That is the key to joy and gladness, daily to cultivate a sense of Gods presence. James Randall Robison works with his parents, James and Betty Robison, at LIFE Outreach International, where he writes and produces for the LIFE Today television program. Though he meet with temporal losses, and be deprived of many, yea, of all his temporal enjoyments; yet God, whom he prefers before all, still remains, and cannot be lost. And when he goes into another world, still he is happy, because that portion yet remains. But how great is the happiness of those who have chosen the Fountain of all good, who prefer him before all things in heaven or on earth, and who can never be deprived of him to all eternity! U In Condemnation, Judgments, pride and or guilt over things. Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. Do you like to rest from hard work? Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Enjoy life with the wife you love. The only way for us to truly find happiness is through Him. Hes commanding us to look at him, through what hes revealed to us about himself, until we see some aspect of his glory that transcends the paltry or corrupt things clamoring for our attention right now glory that produces an awe-filled joy we cant help but express in praise. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness. God gives the strength we need; he must work within us. Not when the sorrow or the darkness finally lifts. But Gods Word teaches that holiness and happiness are inextricably bound together. After the service, I was consoling the widow, who was weeping, when her former pastor bounced up with a big smile and said, Praise the Lord! God wants you to be happy: 10 Bible verses on laughter. The LORD's light penetrates the human spirit,*exposing every hidden motive. According to researchers its health benefits are clear. The apostle Paul referred to this when he wrote, "Work out your salvation" (Philippians 2:12ClosePhilippians 2:12 Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. These are but scattered beams; but God is the sun. As the hymn writer put it, Every joy or trial falleth from above, traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love (Francis Havergal, Like a River Glorious). V If so, how. God says a lot about sin, sorrow, grief, pain, betrayal, failure, fear, horror, and wretchedness. Psalm 37:13- But the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. But it must be saidand let the apostle say it with all authoritythat the secret beneath this severe discipline, the secret to severing all else as rubbish, is to savor Christ as gain (Philippians 3:8). Proverbs 15:13 A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. Yes, God Wants You to Be Happy - The Gospel Coalition There was a yellow canopy overhead and a yellow floor beneath. Let it sink in: more than anything else, God commands us to be happy. Great sorrow fell upon him. And the psalmist isnt just talking about a trickle of joy and gladness in this life. Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. Lesson 7: A Life of Joy and Gladness (Acts 2:25-28) | Bible.org What does the Bible say about getting rid of [], I cant post pictures of our house But I can post strategically framed close-ups Close-ups of Christmas decorations Close-ups of our feline [], Seeing the God of all compassioneven in difficult times He needs compassion and comfort He doesnt know where to find either. In our text, the Lord Jesus prays, You have made known to me the ways of life (Acts 2:28). All of us know from personal experience that even after we are saved, we are still capable of horrendous sin. We must consciously avoid the mirage of comfort in lies and build on a solid foundation of truth. Then he said to them, "Go your way. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!" David discovered this secret and broke out in a love song to Gods commands: The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; Subscribe to our newsletter and get good news and positive Christian stories in your INBOX daily! Only Jesus will. 101 Encouraging Bible Verses - Uplifting Scripture Quotes He wants us to enjoy every moment of our lives and only through His word we can find contentment, live joyful and happy lives. Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Are You Chasing Happiness or Holiness? | Desiring God Exodus 14:14 - The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. Deuteronomy 8:6-9 God has brought me into a good abundant land, I eat without scarceness and do not lack any good thing. Here are three of my favorite Bible verses that prove God wants us to be happy. God loves us and wants us to be happy in our lives in every situation. But it does overcome such times because it rests on the sovereign God and His certain promises to every believer. It is not loss, it is gain. God is commanding us to love him, love others, and be happy. Bible Joy Truth #1: Authentic joy and true happiness is found is Gods presence. As you grow in Gods joy and gladness, He will be glorified through your life. How long will my enemy have the upper hand? Not when circumstances take a turn for the better. He also hosts the LIFE Today Plus channel on Salem's Lightsource.com. Check out these Top 17 Bible Verses-Does God Want Us To Be Happy? What I think about others 8. Deuteronomy 7:14 I am blessed above all people. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Bible Verses About Being Happy - King James Bible Online James Randall Robison. When they would look to the world for happiness. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Then, even if we go through trials, we will not lose our joy, because God is with us. The Lord laughsAristotle believed that our ability to laugh separated us from animals. If youre interested in allowing me to help the attendees at your convention, meeting, or faith-based gathering discover their hidden strengths and learn to live their best possible life, please call me at 520-505-1359 or contact me on my website. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - BibleGateway.com Everyone wants to be happy. The Father, the Son, the Spiritthey delight in each other. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) Another way of viewing the trichotomy of man is with three concentric circles. Nehemiah 8:10. Does God Want Me to Be Happy? | Crossway Articles And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Teach and urge these things. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) 25 Inspirational Bible Verses About Enjoying Life (Powerful) Enter into the joy of your lord., RELATED: 14 Bible Verses About Humility And Why Its Important For Christian Believers. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. We express our love for God as we faithfully rest in his sovereign reign over all things the sweet and the bitter and we love others as we help them also faithfully rest in Gods sovereign reign too. The literal meaning of abide is to put down a tent. The idea is that as long as were in this body, we will hope in God and the promise of the resurrection. Helen Keller wrote that "true happiness is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. I often sense Gods presence and am caught up in worship as I enjoy what God has made. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Cartoonist Walt Kelly wrote, "We have met the enemy, and he is us." How long will my enemy have the upper hand? that is what God wants you to do. Proverbs 14:30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. Trust in the Lord, and do . Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Actually, I want to persuade you that God wants you to be really happy . And forever. In his popular study Bible, Scofield wrote, "Because man is 'spirit' he is capable of God-consciousness, and of communication with God (Job 32:8CloseJob 32:8 When God commands us to praise him, what does he want? S make yourself look good [do not spare oil on your head; Ps. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. And yet many people would think of Christians being miserable people! G He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. But there is a spirit* within people,the breath of the Almighty within them,that makes them intelligent. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Not the things of this world. In all the scriptures you listed. God Wants You to be Happy | CBN Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Augustine used the illustration of a man who made a ring for his bride-to-be, but she loved the ring more than her betrothed who made it for her. Psalm 37:3. Randy and his wife, Debbie, are graduates of Oral Roberts University and are raising their four children in Texas. The battleground, then, is in the mind. Does God want us to laugh? Lets use David as an example. Even suicidal people hope that death will bring relief from their problems. Jesus to all! I dont know what people do who live in a place like New York City, where there are few opportunities to get out in Gods creation! Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. Biblical joy and gladness are not a superficial happy face that we paint over deep sorrow. 21:4). Thus while on one level the psalm applied to David, on another level it applies only to Christ. Psalm 2:4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Why should we labor for, or set our hearts on, any thing else, but that which is our proper end, and true happiness? While he stays in this changeable, troublesome world, he is happy; because his chosen portion, on which he builds as his main foundation for happiness, is above the world, and above all changes. 1 John 4:8 - He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. We can all relate to the euphoric feeling we get after a good laugh, and considering its the most obvious expression of joy, it makes sense happiness and a hearty chuckle go hand in hand. But in what sense is he saving us right now? For I take no pleasure in anyone's death, declares the Lord GOD. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. He says, My heart was glad and my tongue exulted; moreover my flesh also will abide in hope (2:25). I believe many misunderstand what is actually being said. Its not any of the prohibitions or warnings. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Like John Piper says, God is not after the kind of thanks a six-year-old is forced to say to his grandma after getting black socks for Christmas. K [], Top 15 Bible Verses-Laughter and Joy Is it OK to laugh and have a good time? Sixteen centuries ago, Augustine observed, I am not alone in this desire [for happiness], nor are there only a few who share it with me: without exception we all long for happiness They may all search for it in different ways, but all try their hardest to reach the same goal, that is, joy (Confessions, X, 21, cited by John Piper, The Legacy of Sovereign Joy [Crossway Books], p. 70). God desires that you be full of joy and gladness. We want to be happy-holy, like God. Jesus told the disciples that He spoke to them so that His joy would be in them and their joy would be made full (John 15:11). 9. 12:15). The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness. Blessed are all who wait for him! The joy is in the Lord. When God commands us to rejoice, what does he want? Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Proverbs 15:13- A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Our delight-filled praise not only glorifies God and gives him pleasure, but also lovingly points others to the same glory were seeing and the same delight were feeling because we always praise (to others) what delights us. God has promised eternal, lasting joy for us in heaven (Rev. Psalm 16:11 reminds us that joy and eternal pleasures are found in Gods presence. For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye. Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. All of the blessings that God gives us in this life are just samples to whet our appetites for the eternal blessings that we will enjoy in His presence in heaven. Don't move past this too . Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. Thus biblical joy does not deny times of sorrow and grief. Also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toilthis is God's gift to man. Get that, and walk new in faith given you to do new and not be proud, at least learn to not be proud as Phil 1:6 gets seen as true for each person, God just love us you all, Three things I see that stop us in this love of God given us He says, You will make me full of gladness in Your presence (2:28). Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. Enjoy . His application of the idea was wrong, but our human nature can be our own worst enemy and our biggest inhibitor to happiness. How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,with sorrow in my heart every day? He is the author of. A deadly array of corruption blossoms when we concede to this temptation. Galatians 5:22 Dont rest until the Lord fills you with His joy and gladness. This is amazing. Publication date: Feb 22, 2023. Ive said to Marla, How can it be heaven if I cant be married to you? But then it dawned on me, that my earthly marriage is just a dim picture of the eternal joy that I will have when I am united with my heavenly Bridegroom forever. Such hope will fill us with joy and gladness. On my 36th birthday, I had to conduct the funeral of a 39-year-old man who had died of cancer. And this gratitude-inspired peace lovingly overflows to everyone else we interact with, often helping them overcome their own temptations to grumble. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Philippians 4:13. 1 Chronicles 16:27 says that strength and joy fill his dwelling. Sin may give momentary pleasures, but it always wreaks destruction and death. 2023Everyday ServantAll rights reserved, Powered byDesigned with the Customizr theme, Christian Devotional-Stories and Bible verses about the presence of God in our lives. You light a lamp for me. What the Bible reveals is that it's another thing that connects us to God. Repetition implies importance. What I want you to see is that the subject of the psalm, Jesus Christ, was full of joy and gladness. What Does The Bible Say About Being Happy - BibleTalkClub.net Check out these Top 21 Bible Verses-Does God Want Us To Be Happy ? This is why Paul admonished us to avoid allowing grace to become an excuse to sin. Philippians 4:13. When God commands us to not be afraid, what does he want? The Bible is as real-life as it gets. 10. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. While true joy and gladness come from God, our text breaks it into three sources: Joy and gladness come from knowing God's presence; from being conformed to God's holiness; and, from the hope of God's raising our bodies so that we can eternally dwell with Him. Dont move past this too quickly. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) H But we should seek Him continually, not settling for a trickle of joy, but asking Him for the fulness of His joy that comes with our salvation. Even if its a short time, get up early enough to meet with God before you head out the door. All Rights Reserved. 1. And our glorious God is, at the same time, an awesome blaze of unpolluted holiness, revolted by all of man's depravities ( 1 Timothy 1:8-10 ). Why is any unholy happiness fleeting at best? The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. The part that relates to our happiness is the sanctification process. R You are signing up to receive general newsletters from CBN. What the Bible reveals is that its another thing that connects us to God. Top 21 Bible Verses-Does God Want Us To Be Happy, Top 27 Bible Verses-Staying Calm in Stressful Times. Here is a simplistic explanation of the position: Just as God is a three-part being (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), man is made up of three parts (body, mind, and spirit). The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Stay up to date with the latest Christian news! God Wants You to Be Happy: Discovering Deeper Joy Than You Ever Romans 15:13 ~ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. And now that I am away, it is even more important. ). Probably you could explain all human behavior as a search for joy or happiness or satisfaction, although most search in the wrong place. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Fullness of Joy But I do totally empathize with Josh's concern if that is the only way his pastor talks about happiness in relation to obedience. Most Helpful Bible Verses About Happiness | Explore Happy Bible Verses