The Theology of Happiness

If you ask the average person on the street the question,  "What do you want out of life? What do you want for your children (grandchildren)? The majority will answer," I want to be happy. I want my family to be happy."

Our founding Fathers knew man's desire for happiness when they wrote in the Declaration of Independence,  ...and the pursuit of happiness. " And we chase after happiness like a child trying to catch the allusive butterfly. If only I had a different job...a different spouse...made more money...owned that kind of house...if only. Then I would be happy.

Somehow we have carried that thought into our spiritual lives. We won't admit it but most of us think that God's major responsibility is keep us happy. If we are not happy, then God has failed. Right? Nowhere in God's Word does it promise us happiness but He does promise us joy! Big difference! Happiness is based on "happenings" in our lives while joy comes from a relationship with God. No matter what your situation, you can have joy. The early Christians were burned at the stake, fed to lions, and crucified but they suffered with joy.

Psalm 37:4 tells us to have joy - "Do what the Lord wants and he will give you your heart’s desire (CEV)." The secret to happiness joy is a desire to do only the things that pleases God. And if you goal is to please God with your life; He will give you the desires of your heart and that brings joy.

You will never catch the butterfly of happiness but you can have joy.