Here was Paul, under arrest, chained to Roman guards. Positive Psychology lists a myriad of benefits to journaling including lowered blood pressure, reduced stress, increased immune support, better sleep, improved mood, and improved working memory. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. But, at least the message they preached was the true gospel. You can also join specific Challenges on topics like gratitude, calmness, faith, and more. Speaking of faithful Christians, James said, "We count them happy which endure" (James 5:11 KJV). Many think that the greatest change is that Christians no longer possess the pursuit of happiness. But thats simply not biblical. The lens through which we try to see life is out of focus. True happiness is not something to be experienced only in the next life, it is something God wishes to bless us with right now. You have turned for me my mourning intodancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that myglory may sing your praise and not be silent. Psalm 144:15 "Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD. It can be tempting to believe that happiness is based on a life devoid of struggle or strife. He has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement. Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (I Timothy 6:6-7). Kailey and her husband are Florida natives and enjoy spending time with their three kids. While God does give you good things to make you happy, it is not His primary goal for you to be happy. "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". The answer is, he had put into practice the words of Jesus, that the way to find true life is to lose your life for the sake of Jesus and the gospel. Let your joy and satisfaction come from the Lord, not from the fleeting things of this world. Often, emotions are muddled by sin which makes it difficult to discern what is true. We can always rejoice that the Lord is present in our lives, working in ways that is deeper than we can imagine or dream. Below are three biblical keys to how to live your life in full happiness. There is a reason so many people feel happier outside; it is often where we feel most connected to God. Read the footnotes and the listed cross-referenced verses. That is how we can, like Jesus, live joyfully despite our situation whether that be a difficult marriage, a rebellious child, a bleak diagnosis, a job loss, a death in the family, or whatever else. To believe the gospel means to commit your life, both now and for eternity, to the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior from sin. How? God says that lasting happiness is found in Him. Kailey stepped away from the classroom to focus on her growing family and to better serve her church and community through volunteer work. Rejoicing helps us recognize the connection between our happiness and the presence of God. The Book of Ephesians declares, We are Gods handiwork, created in Christ Jesus (2:10). When this truth becomes the foundation of our identity, it also becomes the foundation of our happiness. With his eyes set on the result of his selfless act, he could endure anything, and it would bring him joy. Buttake heart;I have overcome the world., Bible Verses About Finding Happiness When You Feel Jealous, But if you have bitterjealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth., A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.. But where was Paul? If you are struggling to find happiness, consider what the Bible says about the importance of relationships in your life: Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing., Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another., Bear one another's burdens, andso fulfillthe law of Christ.. Bible Verses About Finding Happiness When You Feel Afflicted, He deliversthe afflicted by their affliction andopens their ear by adversity., We areafflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, butnot forsaken;struck down, but not destroyed;always carrying in the body the death of Jesus,so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies., This ismy comfort in my affliction, that your promisegives me life., Bible Verses About Finding Happiness When You Feel Afraid, Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; fortheLordGodis my strength and my song,and he has become my salvation., But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying,Take heart; it is I. Why is the message, If youve got problems, come to Christ inadequate as the gospel? He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo More. 15 tips from the Bible for living a happy life Aleteia And it does for a few minutes. What follows is an account of happiness from a theological perspective. Besides, this prisoner took an interest in the guards as persons. He was not in the strictest confinement, in a dungeon (as he later was). Practice memorizing verses so that you have an arsenal of scripture to combat negative feelings. JournalOwl has a wide array of therapists available for online e-counseling for everyday issues or more in-depth issues such as addiction recovery, marital problems, and anxiety and depression. What Is Heaven Like According to the Bible? Wealth Does Not Bring Happiness 6 I have seen another thing in this life that is not fair and is very hard to understand. This creates an inner spiritual confidence within us, one untouched by the circumstances of our lives. KJV Dictionary Definition: happiness happiness. Discipleship is the only option for those who believe in Jesus. This, ultimately, leads us to all types of questions. Happiness Helpful Not Helpful Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. He wants you to use your imagination to enjoy reading His Word and He wants you to study His commands. If theyre rich, they discover that money doesnt give them what theyre looking for. It could be a personal problem over which you have no control--a health problem or a situation that youve been thrust into with no choice on your part. Paul told the Corinthians, I do all things for the sake of the gospel, that I may become a fellow partaker of it (1 Cor. How does putting the gospel first fit in with a job, family, etc.? HAP'PINESS, n. from happy. Use the imagery in the Bible to help create a picture in your head. Find something each day to rejoice in it may be something big like a promotion at work, or it may be something you usually take for granted like God giving you another day with a beat in your heart and breath in your lungs. Find out more about him here. Anytime we do something where happiness is our focus, we will end up disappointed and sad. To believe the gospel is not merely to give intellectual assent to the facts of the gospel. ThisisthedaythattheLordhasmade; let us rejoice and be glad in it., But I havetrusted in your steadfast love; my heart shallrejoice in your salvation., And Jethrorejoiced for all the good that theLordhad done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians.. Internally, we long for something more. He prayed for their needs. If God has been doing some pruning in your life lately, know that it isnt to tear you down or make your life miserable. He never complained! He wants your life to produce even greater spiritual fruit in the days ahead. Unfortunately, this is not a biblical truth. OLordmy God, I will give thanks to you forever!, Praise theLord!Praise God in hissanctuary; praise him inhis mighty heavens! The Greek word for handiwork is the word poiema it is the word out of which we derive poem or poetic.. Many in the church play politics to build a following. This truth overwhelms even the strongest of contrary voices. ( Acts 20:35) Generous people are happy because they enjoy making others happy, even if all they can give is a little of their time and energy. Plus you get FREE access to all of our eBooks. 10. 10 Bible Studies That Connect Women to God and Each Other. We smile. The first step to happiness is to say no to the self-life. Does God Give You More Than You Can Handle? Meditate by Studying. There is joy in knowing the happiness experienced on earth is not the climax; something better is coming. Psalm 68:3 "But the godly are happy; they rejoice before God and are overcome with joy. Was he suffering terribly in prison? In our text, what is striking is Pauls almost total disregard of himself. If he got acquitted and lived, that would mean more useful service for Christ. When you read your bible, put yourself in the story and imagine what life was like for the person you are reading about. To set ourselves up as the center of the universe, making decisions from a personal perspective with no regard for the happiness of others is what will eventually burn the whole world down. Let him pray. He also maintains his own blogrevkylenorman.ca. If youre as successful in ministry as Paul was, you could expect to live off your book sales and speak at a lot of conferences and retreats. JournalOwls online community allows you to connect with other users who are going through similar struggles as you so you can bear each others burdens and encourage one another as you seek happiness through Gods Word. In some translations of the Bible, the word blessed is translated as happy. While that particular word may seem superficial, it does possess a profound truth. His reasoning for the drastic change was so that he could be happy which is an incredibly common phrase in our culture today. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Only then is your faith effective in transporting you from Phoenix to L.A. You can give mental assent to the truth of the gospel, but it is not effective in transferring you from Satans domain of darkness to the kingdom of Gods beloved Son, in whom you have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Col. 1:13, 14) until you fully commit yourself by faith to the person and work of Jesus Christ. JournalOwl has professional therapists available for a small fee who can help you develop a plan for long-lasting positive change through deep introspection. What Does the Bible Say About Happiness? - OpenBible.info Trust Me More, 5 Complicated Things God Will Allow When You Meet Your Person. 1:6-9; 5:11). True happiness comes by proclaiming Christ in every situation. HAPPINESS - Definition from the KJV Dictionary Enter intothe joy of your master., And the ransomed of theLordshall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away., Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Listen to what the Spirit is telling you about God and who you are as His child. 5. Many people seek out wisdom and guidance from the Bible when they are struggling with a particular emotion or difficult circumstance. The ways God speaks to us are through nature, His Spirit, and His Word. However, there is a way that we can live our lives that will result in happiness and joy (even when things do not go our way). More importantly, God wants us to be happy. Furthermore, as the Lord is always active, we can always usher praise. In fact, He has always been in constant relationship with Himself as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. JournalOwl is the perfect platform to help you do all these things, so take the first step to your happiness now. The Lords people who are discouraged will see our faith in God in the midst of trials and be encouraged to trust Him and bear witness for Him. He did not give himself up to be tortured and crucified because it made him feel good. Instead he despised the cross because of the unimaginable pain and shame that it would bring him. In Gods grace, we are invited to experience this in our lives today. How I hope that I shall be faithful in keeping your instructions! The happiness that God wishes to bless us with is rooted in Gods vision for our lives. Paul goes on to talk about the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (v.7) and the contentment he has in Gods provision. But he was chained to a Roman guard 24 hours of every day. One wag said, They say its better to be poor and happy than rich and miserable. Why this? The modern approach would be to urge Paul to get in touch with his feelings: How do you feel about the way God is treating you? Lest you think that Paul was some sort of super-Christian, with a level of dedication that very few attain, I remind you that Jesus words about denying yourself and taking up your cross apply to every person who wants to follow Him (Mark 8:34). Salem Media Group. Discipleship is the only option for those who believe in Jesus. And when self is first, it will keep itself there by every ruthless means required. Tell Him how you feel! If Paul answered, Im rejoicing and Im determined to keep on rejoicing (1:18) he would be accused of being in denial! Never once does he promise a life of ease or problem-free bliss. What Does "I Believe! Be strong and courageous. Happiness vs joy quotes "Joy is distinctly a Christian word and a Christian thing. Look at the pattern on a pinecone, listen to a bird whistle a song, or smell the flowers you normally just walk past. It cultivates gratitude, encourages positive self-talk, and often identifies the root of an issue. and he will give you the desires of your heart. This Bible verse does not mean that if we seek to be happy in God, he will then give us whatever we want. God did not leave Jesus in the tomb, but raised Him bodily from the dead, victorious over sin, death, and hell. The word blessed in the Bible is possibly best known for being used by Jesus in The Beatitudes during His Sermon on the Mount, which is recorded in Matthew 5:1-11: Seeing the crowds,he went up on the mountain, and when hesat down, his disciples came to him. I thought it was so strange because even though all of us have an innate desire to be happy, most people are not. He has been married to Rebecca since 2008 and has three children, Brooklyn, Bryson, and Abram. Is it Biblical to Find Happiness? - Christianity Type in your email address and a copy will be sent right to your inbox. It is the reverse of happiness. Blessings, like happiness, are always a byproduct of loving God. It could be a boring or a difficult job or the lack of a job. Where the Bible Suggests You Seek Happiness - Institute For Faith, Work 2:20), I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me. In Romans 8:12, 13 Paul put it this way: So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh [the old self], to live according to the flesh--for if you are living according to the flesh, you are about to die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live., The Christian life is decidedly not a life lived for self, for personal fulfillment, for doing what we think will bring us pleasure and happiness. Many people even admit that they are not happy. 2. True happiness is achieved by resting upon the Lord. What Was the Sin of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible? Paul is letting us know that he sought to love and serve people, and in the process he received far more happiness than he would have if he sought to be served by people, for It is more blessed to give than to receive., The Bible Says Happiness Is Found When You Give Up Your Life for Christ. You were created for fellowship with others so that you could be encouraged and built up and so you could encourage and build up others. Hefulfills the desire of those who fear him; he alsohears their cry and saves them., Bible Verses About Finding Happiness When You Feel Sad, Even though Iwalk through the valley ofthe shadow of death, I willfear no evil, foryou are with me; yourrod and your staff, they comfort me., He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away., Bible Verses About Finding Happiness When You Feel Weary, butthey who wait for theLordshall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wingslike eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint., Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary orfainthearted., Forthis light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.. Paul says in Acts 20:34-35, You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. Joy is sometimes used in the same context, but it is also described as an attribute of the believer. You can go to God with your needs, concerns, fears, and sins and trust that He hears you. Imagine the difference they saw in this prisoner! To take it a step further, anytime we do something where happiness is our focus, we will end up disappointed and sad. Scripture is especially full of real-life examples of this, such as the stories of David or Samson. When Jesus Christ enters a man, when his Spirit becomes our Spirit, the greatest visible change that occurs is how we seek to achieve our happiness.