Happiness: What does the Bible say about it?
If you look for this word in a King James Version of the Bible, you won’t find it. It isn’t there anywhere. There are some other words used that relate to it, but the word happiness is nowhere to be found. So, what are we to think about that since it is such a common word in the English language?
Let’s begin this study with a quick look at the word happiness itself. You’ll notice that in English the first four letters are h-a-p-p. We can note that the word happening begins in spelling the same way. Are these words somehow related? It has been claimed by some that they are. The idea presented is that happiness depends on certain happenings. In other words, happiness is tied to one’s circumstances. If one’s circumstances are thought to be good, then there’s happiness. But if they’re not, there’s unhappiness. Therefore, it could be rightly said that “happiness” is something dependent upon one’s past, present, and/or foreseen circumstances. Is happiness something we should then have as a goal in life? Certainly, we all want the best of circumstances, but if our “happiness” is dependent upon them, can’t it rightfully be said that we’re somewhat slaves to our circumstances? Is that a good thing? I don’t think so and I doubt if you do either.
Many years ago, I had a friend who would ask people how they were doing. If they said OKAY under the circumstances, he’d then ask them what they were doing up under there. But isn’t that exactly where most people spend their time—UNDER their circumstances? If their circumstances are thought to be good, they’re “happy.” But if they’re thought to be bad, they’re “unhappy.” Where are you in all this? Are you dependent upon your circumstances for your happiness and sense of well-being? If you are, are you aware that you’re a slave? Or have you learned to rise above that?
Let’s look at a passage of Scripture where the apostle Paul addresses this as he speaks of his own circumstances. As you may know, he went through many hardships in his ministry. Rejection of his teaching was ongoing.
2 Corinthians 11:24-28
24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
It is significant to note that nearly all of this occurred by the hands of “religious” people who in their spiritual blindness thought they were “serving God” by what they were doing. I’ve found that nothing has changed on this. Such opposition for the same reasons goes on to this day. Difficult circumstances were ongoing for the apostle Paul. But note what he says—
Philippians 4:10-13
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care [that of faithful believers in Philippi] of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed [MUEO = initiated] both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. [Emphasis added]
Isn’t it amazing how verse thirteen is so often taken out of context and incorrectly said to mean something entirely different? What Paul is saying here is that because of our salvation and our relationship with Christ we as believers with the wisdom of God’s Word are not dependent upon our circumstances for our sense of well-being, our contentment. What we as believers have is something far superior to “happiness” that is always dependent upon one’s circumstances. What we have is the means to contentment that results in this which is called joy. You can see that in verse ten when he speaks of reJOIcing IN THE LORD GREATLY. Such joy is said to be one of the wonderful attributes of the Spirit of God working in us.
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy [CHARA = joy], peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. [Emphasis added]
Paul speaks of this joy often throughout his writings.
Romans 14:16-17
16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. [Emphasis added]
Paul wanted this joy for everyone to whom he ministered.
Romans 15:13
13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. [Emphasis added]
Do you have this JOY in your life? I can still remember singing about it when I was a little boy. Perhaps you can too. Here are the words of the first verse.
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart to stay.
What a simple little hymn! But it has stuck with me all these years. Do you have this joy in your heart? Most people don’t! But anyone can! But you’re going to have to gain it through your relationship with Christ. There is no other way. There are many false substitutes, but just ONE true way. As your thinking becomes absorbed by the words of Christ, this is something that spontaneously develops in you. Ephesians 5:18 commands us to be “filled” with the Spirit. For a complete explanation of how one is “filled with the Spirit” please go to my article about it—
Confession: Is this the means to the filling of the Holy Spirit?
But what exactly does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? A clearer way of stating it for us is found in the first part of the first sentence in another passage written by the apostle Paul—
Colossians 3:16-17
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. [Emphasis added]
As the words of Christ given in His heavenly ministry come to us today through the writings of the apostle Paul, this is developed in us. It is through the teachings of this man that we come to know the things God would have us to know and apply in our time. That even includes our gospel message for salvation.
Romans 16:25
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to MY gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, [Emphasis added]
If you’re curious about why he speaks of it as his gospel, you can go to my articles about it and get a full explanation. Here’s the name of one of them.
Gospels: Did Peter and Paul preach the same gospel?
You can even watch a video about it.
#27 ~ Two Gospels – Peter’s & Paul’s – What is the difference?
It is the Word of God in us that can enable us to overcome anything, any circumstance you can name.
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is quick [ZAO = alive], and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [Emphasis added]
It is this force that overcomes the power of any source of frustration, disillusionment, mal-contentment and all such things. Being able to rejoice amid such things causes others to marvel and want such ability for themselves. It, therefore, serves to open doors for the presentation of our gospel message that when accepted can make such a wonderful difference in one’s life in so many ways. It was the means to this joy that Paul saw as something he always had to offer people.
Romans 15:32
32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. [Emphasis added]
Don’t we all know people who instead of bringing joy and refreshment to a conversation only bring griping and complaining that reveals their misery over some current circumstances? Shouldn’t we always be a source of joy and refreshment for everyone around us? Paul even commented that he had been refreshed by these people to whom he ministered.
1 Corinthians 16:18
18 For they [the churches in Asia] have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. [Emphasis added]
Don’t you think Paul was “happy” to see this? There should be no doubt that he was.
As I look at our circumstances today in America, I see many reasons for frustration, concern, worry, and more. But what should we be seeing in all this? I can certainly understand why you may feel the way you do, but at the same time, what I see is opportunity. Opportunity to show people the good news, our gospel message about Jesus Christ and how through Him they can rise above all this in their thinking.
Again, Philippians 4:13
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. [Emphasis added]
Through Him we can gain a great attitude no matter what’s going on. As I’ve said so often for many years—ATTITUDE is everything! What is yours right now? Is there something you’re upset about? Is there something you are worried about? What has locked on to your thinking that’s affecting or infecting your whole life? Can’t we say that life is too short to have to live it that way? The good news is that nobody does. The wonderful truths we find in the Bible are there for all of us. How much time are you devoting to studying it to let it create joy in you?
Sometimes believers have been accused of being “so heavenly minded they’re no earthly good.” But such talk should be seen as only a distraction, something to pull us away from the one thing that can make a huge difference for us and even for those around us. It is the Word of God IN us that can make the difference needed. If you haven’t already, why not make up your mind now to be determined to be an ongoing student of God’s Word? Here’s the command of all commands that you need to comply with now.
2 Timothy 2:15
15 Study [SPOUDAZO = be diligent] to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. [Emphasis added]
And if you don’t know what “rightly dividing the word of truth” is all about, please go to my videos about it on this website. Understanding this one principle will make all the difference in the world in your understanding of what you’re reading in your Bible. Here’s the name of the video—
#18 ~ Rightly Dividing the Scriptures – Part 1
Conclusion—
As a believer you are a very blessed person! You have many sound reasons to be happy or, rather, filled with joy. Let’s quickly note a partial list of some of them.
1—Your sins have all been forgiven.
Ephesians 1:7
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; [Emphasis added]
2—You’ve been saved by grace through faith alone.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. [Emphasis added]
3—Your salvation has been sealed and made perfectly secure.
Ephesians 4:30
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. [Emphasis added]
4—You’ve been delivered forever from God’s condemnation.
Romans 8:1a
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. [Emphasis added]
6—Your home is now Heaven.
Philippians 3:20
20 For our conversation [POLITEUO = citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [Emphasis added]
7—By your faithfulness to serve your Savior you have rewards to look forward to enjoying forever.
2 Corinthians 5:10
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. [Emphasis added]
And this is just a partial list of the spiritual blessings you now have. If you want to read of even more, go to my article—
Blessings: What are now ours in Christ?
The biproduct will certainly be JOY. Note some of Paul’s last words in his letter to the Roman believers.
Romans 15:13
13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. [Emphasis added]
