Does God promise me happiness?

Acts 5:41The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.

Philippians 4:4, 12Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! . . . I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

James 1:2Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

God does not promise lives filled with positive circumstances and feelings; in fact, the Bible assumes problems will come our way. But God loves us, wants to know us, promises to comfort and care for us, and has guaranteed our eternal future if we trust him. Through all this, he promises us lasting joy. This kind of joy stays with us despite our problems and helps us persevere.