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! Why is any unholy happiness fleeting at best? Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them.". The battleground, then, is in the mind. The Expanded Bible: New Testament - eBook. Is this true? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. "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. He says, My heart was glad and my tongue exulted; moreover my flesh also will abide in hope (2:25). Rather, they are the foundation that comes from knowing that our sovereign God works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom. Living according to the flesh is especially miserable for believers because it produces an inner conflict that nonbelievers do not experience. Ecclesiastes 3:4  A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. When God repeats himself, pay attention. Laughter as a maskLaughter can reveal our emotions and is a great remedy for coping with sadness but sometimes people can use it to hide their true feelings. How very true. And we are happiest when that "worthy purpose" is the kingdom of God. #trinity #christian #worship #praise #church #trinity #mission #prayer #jesus #music #hymns In Condemnation, Judgments, pride and or guilt over things. The Hebrew reads, I have set the Lord continually before me. It implies a deliberate action. Deceit is joy's snare, causing all manner of grief. Does God want us to be happy? Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. This refers to Gods paths of righteousness that lead to true lifeeternal lifethat begins now. Peter left off the final line of the psalm, which reinforces the theme, In Your right hand there are pleasures forever (Ps. Probably you could explain all human behavior as a search for joy or happiness or satisfaction, although most search in the wrong place. 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. These are but streams; but God is the fountain. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) Link was copied! The cross itself was not joyful, but there was great joy ahead. The Scottish poet Sir Walter Scott wrote, "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!". Top 23 Bible Verses-How Much Does God Love Us ? But Gods Word teaches that holiness and happiness are inextricably bound together. According to researchers its health benefits are clear. 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). Our text teaches us that . Proverbs 15:13 - A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. When their faith was completely in the Lord. 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. Deuteronomy 7:14 I am blessed above all people. Its not any of the prohibitions or warnings. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. We dont sacrifice one for the other. My name is Jessica Cox, and my faith in God has helped me overcome numerous obstacles and live a more ethical life. If one truly knows who the ruler of this world is today. ( Psalm 1:1, CSB ). What I think about others Ecclesiastes 3:12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Exhibiting all of the fruit, including peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, love, and faithfulness, conveys happiness to others in our lives, perpetuating the circle of joy. Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. Psalm 37:3-4 Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. 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. The evil that he practiced was prompted by the fleshsomething we all have until we physically die. He wants us to enjoy every moment of our lives and only through His word we can find contentment, live joyful and happy lives. Yet our flesh also lives, and it presses against this reborn spirit. Proverbs 15:13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Even suicidal people hope that death will bring relief from their problems. Randy and his wife, Debbie, are graduates of Oral Roberts University and are raising their four children in Texas. 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). Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God hath already accepted thy works. 19. Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. ); because he is 'soul' he has self-consciousness (Psalms 13:2ClosePsalms 13:2 Laughter as medicineLaughter is often referred to as the best medicine. The instant we die, our soul goes to be with Jesus in heaven (2 Cor. And this gratitude-inspired peace lovingly overflows to everyone else we interact with, often helping them overcome their own temptations to grumble. Start your free trial today! The most repeated command in the Bible will probably surprise you: Be happy. It is a broad path to destruction and a narrow path to righteousness. Helen Keller wrote that "true happiness is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." Only Jesus can. Second, relate everything, even little events, in your day to Gods providence. Nehemiah 8:10 The joy of the Lord is your strength. Q.1. God wants us to do it. And the psalmist isnt just talking about a trickle of joy and gladness in this life. He even does it himself! Not just in heaven someday. Romans 12:12 ~ Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Let it sink in: more than anything else, God commands us to be happy. D Enter into the joy of your lord., RELATED: 14 Bible Verses About Humility And Why Its Important For Christian Believers. 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). What do you think is the most repeated command in the Bible? One of Satans most successful lies is that God is a cosmic killjoy who wants everyone to be miserable. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Proverbs 16:3 3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Rather, as a prophet, David was writing about his descendant, Jesus the Messiah, whom God raised from the dead. Nothing of this world should bring us happiness. God wants us to look past the things that frustrate, anger, disappoint, discourage, sadden, and depress us, and to see his grace his all-sufficient, abounding grace (2 Corinthians 9:8) the grace flowing to us right now, whatever our circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). He even does it himself! Thus while on one level the psalm applied to David, on another level it applies only to Christ. Psalm 30:5. I believe many misunderstand what is actually being said. It is in our fallen nature to focus on the things of this world, and to worship them instead the one who provides them. 314-315). Proverbs 17:22  A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. His application of the idea was wrong, but our human nature can be our own worst enemy and our biggest inhibitor to happiness. Lets use David as an example. Why do most people not associate holiness with happiness? 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). Peter is arguing that this psalm, in which the author says that God will not allow his body to undergo decay, did not ultimately apply to David, whose body did undergo decay. Luke 6:21  Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. 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. Nehemiah 8:10. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. RELATED: 3 Biblical Steps To Overcome Depression And Anxiety. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) The Rolling Stones complained years ago that they couldnt get any satisfaction, but clearly satisfaction was their goal. Blog, A The joy is in the Lord. How can we find His will? God is commanding us to love him, love others, and be happy. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Valley of Fear. We must kill our old nature. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 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. ). But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. What others think about Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit and what better way is there to express joy but through laughter? Of course, a blind and deaf woman knows nothing of the self-gratification that comes through two of the most predominant senses. Certainly she should love the gift. We don't get happiness by aiming at it, but as by product of worthy pursuits and commitments. You can specify preference after sign-up and opt out at any time. Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross. 9. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.". 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 61:3]. Thus, biblical joy and gladness are the deep undercurrent or foundation in God that sustain the believer in and through times of sorrow and grief. Biblical joy and gladness do not deny sorrow and grief. 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). God Wants You to be Happy. 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. 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. How do we find happiness? 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 ). Stay up to date with the latest Christian news! Geocoding Jon Bloom serves as teacher and cofounder of Desiring God. Job 8:21 - He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Every trial He brings lovingly to shape us into the image of Jesus Christ. We are all born into sin, so we are corrupt from birth. I How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,with sorrow in my heart every day? Does He want us to be happy? We cant help but want to comfort and encourage others with the comfort and courage we have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:34). If we are in Christ, then God has saved us from our sins in the past, and he will save us from his wrath in the future. 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. Bodyguards would stand on the right side so they could cover the person they were protecting with their shields and still have their right arm free to fight (John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Acts 1-12 [Moody Press], p. 65). But before we go further, we need to define the terms joy and gladness. The best way to understand it is: At first you may think it strange to lift up Jesus as the great example of joy and gladness since He was known as a man of sorrows who bore our grief (Isa. For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord GOD. The Trinity delights in each other. In the early twentieth century, American theologian Cyrus Scofield popularized a theological position called the trichotomy of man. Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit and what better way is there to express joy but through laughter? ). Laughter as a gift from God God wants us to be happy. Although He acknowledged that they would be sorrowful when He was crucified, He also promised that when they saw Him alive again, they would rejoice, and no one could take that joy away from them (John 16:20, 22). The psalmist says that we are happiest when we are delighting in God's promises and commandments ( Psalm 112:1 ). James Randall Robison. God gives the strength we need; he must work within us. Honesty comes only through a born-again spirit and continuously renewed mind. David says of Jesus, I saw the Lord always in my presence; for He is at my right hand, so that I will not be shaken (2:25). Here are three of my favorite Bible verses that prove God wants us to be happy. 1w; View more comments. I love to laugh. The one who puts to death the sinful deeds of the flesh knows Gods ways of life (Rom. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) James 4:4 also confirms this. 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. Isaiah 12:2 God tells us more than anything else, in different ways, to praise the Lord, do not be afraid, rejoice, and give thanks all of which are commands, in essence, to be happy. 27:9; Is. In the modern world, joy is something we experience that is deeper and more meaningful. 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. I am saying that if we want a picture of biblical joy and gladness, we should look at the life of Jesus Christ. It was their way of asking, "What does God want from us, anyway?" God wants us to be happy. Everything is from His loving hand. We must renew our minds daily in order to align our thoughts, will, and emotions with the Holy Spirit. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. He makes us think that real happiness is found in sin, whereas holiness is a dull, wearisome matter. Repetition implies importance. Then, even if we go through trials, we will not lose our joy, because God is with us. Does God want us to laugh? People view God as a great sadist in the sky, who gets perverse delight in making His creatures miserable. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. The only way to find happiness is through Him. Randy Robison, writer and producer for Life Today television program, encourages readers to embrace everything God wants for them, including deep, overflowing gladness that does not depend on pleasant circumstances or emotional highs. God wants us to be happy. When David sinned with Bathsheba, he was miserable until he confessed his sins and prayed, Restore to me the joy of Your salvation (Ps. M There was a yellow canopy overhead and a yellow floor beneath. 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. Psalm 126:2- Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit and what better way is there to express joy but through laughter? 5:8). He is the author of. They had peace and blessings. He repeatedly commands us to be really, truly, deeply happy. 21:4). The trail leads you into a dense aspen grove, where the trees are so thick, you feel as if youre walking into a building. 5:22). TopicalBible You will find it only in Him. Check out these Top 17 Bible Verses-Does God Want Us To Be Happy? Psalm 126:2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. [], Top 15 Bible Verses-Laughter and Joy Is it OK to laugh and have a good time? Thus biblical joy does not deny times of sorrow and grief. 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. Human Nature . Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. If you lack Gods joy, examine your heart and make sure that you are not entertaining any known sin. Laughter as a mask Laughter can reveal our emotions and is a great remedy for coping with sadness but sometimes people can use it to hide their true feelings. This verse not only commands us to trust the Lord, but reminds us that finding delight in the Lord will also result in positive things coming your way! The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness. If so, how. Psalm 37:3. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. King James Bible. Lets examine four oft-repeated commands in Scripture and ask what God really wants from us. The Bible is full of verses on happiness that will make you smile no matter what. U They steal because they think that having material possessions will satisfy. Thus the need to be born again. Many things of this world do not honor him. No one in this flesh life gets a will for them until death first He was blessed and at peace. For the LORD is a faithful God. ). If we look at each and every man and women of the Bible. Dont move past this too quickly. ). Scotts in glory now! I wanted to pop him in the mouth! He created us! And if were paying careful attention, well recognize that the most repeated commands are means of obeying the most important commandments. 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. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com. 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. Every blessing He graciously gives to show us His great love. Happiness is often caused by an external stimulus that brings a sense of satisfaction, while joy develops internally being sourced by a sense of peace within yourself and acceptance of what is happening around you. Sin may give momentary pleasures, but it always wreaks destruction and death. Ecclesiastes 3:4 - A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit and what better way is there to express joy but through laughter? "Therefore turn and live!". But most repeated certainly means something important. The Lord laughs Aristotle believed that our ability to laugh separated us from animals. I love the sound of it, the way it makes me feel and the unexpected, uncontrollable and infectious nature of it.As far as I'm concerned, it's guilt-free goodness. Proverbs 14:13 - Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief. Psalm 2:4  The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo More. 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. V They divorce and change careers for the same reason. Who doesnt? Today. Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. I love the sound of it, the way it makes me feel and the unexpected, uncontrollable and infectious nature of it. The Bible is as real-life as it gets. Get uplifting Christian Stories and good news in your INBOX for free. 8:24-25). Philippians 4:13. Psalm 37:13 But the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. 7w; 1 Reply. Love Him who made them (cited by Piper, Sovereign Joy, p. 71). But if you can believe it, Gods dominant theme is joy. The Cheerful Giver. The God of hope [wants to] fill [us] with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit [we] may abound in hope (Romans 15:13). Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. Access 50+ premium resources. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. You can have true joy in this life only when you know that you will have eternal joy in the next life, after death. 8. Job 8:21 - He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Copyright, Steven J. Cole, 2000, All Rights Reserved. 2023Everyday ServantAll rights reserved, Powered byDesigned with the Customizr theme, Christian Devotional-Stories and Bible verses about the presence of God in our lives. Not the things of this world. The more we align our minds with our spirits, the happier we are. Top 23 Bible Verses-How Much Does God Love Us ? Robison provides helpful answers to important questions like these: Also Check: Pray Unceasingly Verse. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) People get married and pursue a certain career because they hope to find happiness through these things. How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,with sorrow in my heart every day? Laughter has the ability to lift the spirits but it can also dampen them. God wants you to be happy: 10 Bible verses on laughter. Article 8) Those who seek God, and the things God loves, for God's sake, can know true happiness. God tells us more than anything else, in different ways, to "praise the Lord," "do not be afraid," "rejoice," and "give thanks" all of which are commands, in essence, to be happy. Top 21 Bible Verses-Does God Want Us To Be Happy, Top 27 Bible Verses-Staying Calm in Stressful Times. This is salvation and, once experienced, resides in our core being. Psalm 126:2 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. The part of us that is dead in sin must be made alive in Christ. New King James Version. Top 21 Bible Verses-Does God Want Us To Be Happy ? Now. Laughter as a gift from God God wants us to be happy. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but the enjoyment of God is the substance. Clearly, a person living in sin could not be happy in Gods holy presence. This is why Paul admonished us to avoid allowing grace to become an excuse to sin. There are so many inspirational psalms, and this is definitely one of them. You don't have to teach children to lie; they will do it on their own. New Living Translation So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. It was snowing lightly, with big flakes floating down through the trees. His [], As Christ came here to earth to reconcile us through him first for new life to be given for us to live, laugh, love as really are loved first by his love in mercy for us The battle for holiness is a battle to be fought mainly by fueling the fires of our passion for Christ. Hebrews 1:9 says of Jesus, You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your companions. Note how righteousness and gladness go together. He has appeared on The 700 Club, DayStar's Celebration with Marcus and Joni Lamb, and TBN. As we go through our day, we should see Gods hand in every situation. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. W But it does overcome such times because it rests on the sovereign God and His certain promises to every believer. All Rights Reserved. God wants you to be truly, deeply happy. Will He help when we are suffering? OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) Enjoy life with the wife you love. The one who lives for sinful desires is on the way that leads to destruction and death. For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. The Good News: We are taught to be scared of God's . 6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[ a] will also reap bountifully. Proverbs 14:13  Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief. Job 12:4 I have become a laughing stock to my friends, though I called on God and he answered a mere laughingstock, though righteous and blameless! S Why should we labor for, or set our hearts on, any thing else, but that which is our proper end, and true happiness? If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. Read full chapter. Again, Satan perpetrates a great lie. God only commands his people what will bring them ultimate happiness. OpenBible.info 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. Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.

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