Where can I find real and lasting happiness?
Psalm 146:5Joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.
The Lord himself is the source of true happiness. The more we love him, know him, walk with him, and become like him, the greater our happiness will be.
Hebrews 12:2We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
To find real and lasting happiness, we should keep our eyes on Jesus, who has shown us exactly how and where to find lasting joy.
Psalm 112:1How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.
Ironically, the more we fear the Lord, the happier we will be. The Bible teaches that to fear the Lord (to respect him and listen to him) is also the way to wisdom. Wisdom helps us make good choices that lead to happiness and help us avoid harmful choices that lead to misery.
Psalm 16:8-9I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.
Our happiness is based on God’s presence within us, which can bring greater contentment and confidence in the face of hardship than any other factor in our lives.
Galatians 5:22-23The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Joy is one of the special by-products of the presence of the Holy Spirit in us.
Psalm 119:2Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.
Jeremiah 29:13-14“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord.
Philippians 1:25I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.
God has promised that when we truly seek him, we will surely find him. And when we do what God calls us to do, we will have found the greatest source of happiness.
Matthew 25:21“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’”
Colossians 3:17Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
A job well done brings a deep sense of satisfaction and is an occasion for joy. When our work is for the Lord, that joy becomes even deeper and richer.
Isaiah 52:7How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!
1 Corinthians 15:1Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it.
The Good News of the Bible is the joy and happiness we will find when we develop a relationship with God. And there is an added measure of happiness when we share this Good News with others.
Proverbs 13:9The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
Matthew 5:16“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
All good comes from God, and God is light. When we live a godly life, we are a lamp for those who seek God. But when we live an ungodly life, our lamp goes out. The light of godliness brings true happiness.
