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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
2 days ago11 min read

Is a Happy Life Really Possible?

Happiness is often sought but rarely understood. The Bible provides profound insight into this pursuit, laying out principles and guidelines that offer a path to genuine happiness. However, the question remains: Can a happy life truly be attained in a world marred by imperfection, suffering, and human frailty? Understanding what happiness means from a biblical perspective is essential for discerning whether a truly happy life is within reach.



What Is Happiness According to the Bible?


To grasp the possibility of a happy life, we must first define happiness as Scripture presents it. The Hebrew word for "happy" is ʼeʹsher, as seen in Psalm 40:4: "Happy is the man who has made Jehovah his trust." Similarly, the Greek term ma·kaʹri·os is used to describe happiness, as in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12). In both cases, happiness denotes a state of well-being and fulfillment, arising not from fleeting pleasures but from living in harmony with God's principles.


Biblical happiness differs from secular concepts of happiness, which often focus on material possessions, temporary pleasures, or personal achievements. The world's understanding of happiness tends to be external, dependent on circumstances. In contrast, biblical happiness is internal, grounded in one's relationship with Jehovah and the obedience to His Word. This kind of happiness is marked by permanence and stability, even amid trials (James 1:2-4).


The Bible emphasizes that happiness is not merely about enjoying life's pleasures but involves a deep, lasting joy rooted in righteousness and spiritual well-being. Psalm 1:1-2 illustrates this: "Happy is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of Jehovah, and on his law he meditates day and night." Here, happiness is tied to obedience and meditation on God's Word, not on external successes or momentary gratifications.



What Is Needed to Be Happy?


The Bible repeatedly makes clear that true happiness is linked to living in accordance with God's will. This is because God, as the Creator, knows the best way for humans to live and flourish. Psalm 119:1-2 declares, "Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of Jehovah. Happy are those who observe his reminders, who seek him with all their heart." Here, the pursuit of happiness is tied directly to obedience to God's commands and an earnest seeking of His ways.


A key component of happiness, according to the Scriptures, is trust in Jehovah. Proverbs 16:20 teaches, "Whoever gives attention to the word will find good, and happy is the one who trusts in Jehovah." Trust in God provides a foundation for enduring happiness because it fosters a sense of security, purpose, and direction in life. This trust is not blind but informed by the understanding that Jehovah's ways are higher than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9).


Moreover, happiness is also connected to righteous action. Proverbs 14:21 notes, "The one showing favor to the lowly is happy." Happiness is achieved not only through personal piety but through acts of kindness and mercy toward others. This reflects the biblical truth that we are created in God's image, designed to express His qualities of love, justice, and compassion (Genesis 1:27). When we live out these divine attributes, we align ourselves with God's purposes, which leads to fulfillment and happiness.



Challenges to Happiness: Why Is It Elusive?


While the Bible provides a clear roadmap to happiness, achieving it can often seem elusive. Many factors contribute to this difficulty, and the Bible addresses these challenges head-on. One major obstacle is sin, which distorts our ability to live in harmony with God's will. The fall of Adam and Eve introduced sin into the world, and with it came suffering, hardship, and separation from God (Genesis 3:16-19). This sin condition affects all of humanity, creating a barrier to the happiness that God originally intended for mankind.


Romans 3:23 affirms this universal struggle: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Sin not only separates us from God but also fosters selfishness, greed, and pride, all of which undermine true happiness. It is essential to recognize that the pursuit of happiness in the absence of righteousness is futile. Jesus' words in Matthew 6:33 offer a crucial principle: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." The promise is that when we align our lives with God's purposes, our needs, and desires—including happiness—will be fulfilled in due time.


Additionally, the world itself poses significant challenges to happiness. 1 John 2:16 warns, "For everything in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." The materialistic and pleasure-driven pursuits promoted by the world are at odds with the biblical understanding of happiness. Worldly desires may offer temporary gratification, but they ultimately leave individuals feeling empty and unfulfilled.


The pressure to conform to the world's values can be overwhelming, and many people fall into the trap of believing that happiness lies in wealth, status, or entertainment. Yet, Jesus provides a stark contrast in Mark 8:36: "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" True happiness is found not in accumulating wealth or power but in surrendering to God's will and purpose for one's life.



The Role of Faith in Achieving Happiness


A key element in attaining happiness is faith. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, "Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." Faith allows us to trust that God's promises are true and that following His commandments will ultimately lead to happiness, even if the road is difficult.


Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves an active, ongoing trust in Jehovah's guidance. This is vividly illustrated in the life of Abraham, who is called the "father of all those having faith" (Romans 4:11). Abraham's journey was not without its challenges, yet his unwavering faith in Jehovah's promises brought him joy and fulfillment, as seen in Genesis 22:16-18, when God reaffirmed His covenant with Abraham after his obedience in the offering of Isaac.


Similarly, the apostle Paul exemplified faith amid hardship. Despite facing persecution, imprisonment, and suffering, Paul maintained a deep sense of joy and contentment. In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul writes, "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content... I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Paul's contentment was not rooted in his circumstances but in his faith and relationship with God. This same principle applies to us today: happiness is not dependent on favorable conditions but on a steadfast trust in God’s care and provision.



Happiness Through Obedience to God's Word


Obedience to God's Word is foundational to experiencing happiness. As Psalm 119:165 declares, "Abundant peace belongs to those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble." Loving and obeying Jehovah's commandments brings peace, stability, and happiness. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep sense of well-being that comes from knowing we are living in harmony with our Creator.


Jesus emphasized the importance of obedience in achieving happiness. In John 13:17, after washing the feet of His disciples, He said, "If you know these things, happy are you if you do them." Knowing the will of God is essential, but true happiness comes from doing what God requires. Obedience is not burdensome but leads to joy and fulfillment, as 1 John 5:3 confirms: "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome."


The principle of obedience is also closely connected to the concept of having the mind of Christ. Philippians 2:5 urges believers, "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." To have the mind of Christ means to think, act, and live in a way that reflects the character and teachings of Jesus. This includes humility, selflessness, and a willingness to serve others. When we adopt this mindset, we align ourselves with God's will, which leads to true and lasting happiness.



Joy in Trials: The Paradox of Christian Happiness


One of the paradoxes of the Christian life is that happiness can coexist with suffering. James 1:2-4 teaches, "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Trials and challenges are not obstacles to happiness but opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper joy.


This may seem counterintuitive, but the Bible is clear that joy is not dependent on external circumstances. In fact, some of the deepest expressions of joy in Scripture come in the midst of suffering. The apostle Peter, writing to Christians facing persecution, encourages them in 1 Peter 4:13, "But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." Christian happiness is not based on avoiding suffering but on the assurance that God is working through all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).


This understanding of joy in trials also reflects the example of Jesus Himself. Hebrews 12:2 says, "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Jesus' willingness to endure the cross was motivated by the joy of fulfilling God's plan of salvation. His example teaches us that enduring hardship with faith and trust in God's purposes leads to ultimate happiness.



God Does Not Put Trials Before Us


Trials and difficult times are not a part of God’s plan for refining and strengthening His people. The Scriptures make it clear that Jehovah God does not test anyone with evil or entice them to do wrong. James 1:13 emphatically states, “When under trial, let no one say: ‘I am being tried by God.’” This passage shows that God does not use evil circumstances to test His faithful servants. Jehovah, being perfectly holy and righteous, is incapable of tempting anyone to sin. As Lamentations 3:38 affirms, "From the mouth of the Most High bad things and what is good do not go forth." God does not delight in or employ evil to refine His people; instead, He stands as the ultimate standard of all that is good.


Many mistakenly believe that the hardships they experience come from God as a way of testing their faith, but this is a misunderstanding of Jehovah's nature. Jehovah permits free will, allowing individuals to make choices, but He does not induce people to commit sin or lead them into situations where sin is inevitable. As James 1:14-15 explains, “Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn, sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death.” It is human weaknesses and desires that lead to sinful behavior, not any action or will of Jehovah. Blaming God for personal mistakes or struggles reflects an unwillingness to take responsibility for one’s own decisions.



While Jehovah permits trials and hardships to occur as part of the imperfect human condition, He offers guidance and help rather than being the source of those difficulties. God provides His Spirit and His Word as tools for believers to navigate life’s challenges. When Christians turn to Jehovah for wisdom, He generously grants them the ability to endure, as James 1:5 promises. Through His Word and His Spirit, God strengthens His people to withstand adversity without ever being the cause of evil or wrongdoing. Therefore, Christians should look to Jehovah for help and trust that He will never be the source of their trials but rather the source of strength and wisdom in overcoming them.


Many people attribute bad things to Jehovah God, assuming that because He is all-powerful, He must be responsible for everything, including evil. However, the Bible affirms that Jehovah is perfectly righteous and good. Psalm 145:17 declares, "Jehovah is righteous in all his ways," and Deuteronomy 32:4 reminds us, "All his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness who is never unjust." God’s nature is holy and just, and He is never the source of evil. James 1:13 clarifies that "with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone." Rather than being responsible for the evil that happens, God has given humans free will, allowing them to make their own decisions, which often lead to bad outcomes. Humans, as sinful beings, are "mentally bent toward evil" (Genesis 6:5; 8:21), and our hearts are "treacherous" (Jeremiah 17:9), leading to sin and its consequences.


Human imperfection plays a significant role in the evil present in the world. Genesis 6:5 vividly illustrates the depth of human sinfulness, stating, "The inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time." This treacherous nature causes humans to frequently make decisions that result in harm. Rather than blaming God, people need to recognize that much suffering is a direct consequence of human wrongdoing, whether through poor choices or yielding to sinful desires. James 1:14-15 points out that humans are "enticed by their own desires" and that these desires "give birth to sin, and sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death." Humans, prone to imperfection, are accountable for much of the suffering, and it is crucial to acknowledge our fallen nature and the role it plays in the calamities we face.


Jehovah’s foreknowledge, as understood through Simple Foreknowledge, allows Him to know future events without determining them. God's foreknowledge is like seeing a shadow before the reality; it reveals what will happen without influencing or constraining it. Just as a barometer predicts the weather without causing it, God’s foreknowledge tracks the future based on the free decisions of moral agents. Humans retain their freedom, and the future unfolds according to the choices they make. Thus, God’s foreknowledge of human actions does not remove their responsibility or their ability to act freely. Instead, much of the suffering in the world results from humans exercising their free will in ways that lead to sin and its consequences.



The Promise of Future Happiness: A Key to Enduring


Finally, the Bible offers the hope of future happiness as a source of strength and endurance in this present life. Revelation 21:3-4 presents a powerful vision of a future free from pain and suffering: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'" This promise of future restoration and joy is a central theme throughout Scripture and offers believers a sure hope that transcends the trials of this life.


1 Peter 1:6-9 further underscores the role of this hope in maintaining happiness: "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith... may result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory." The hope of eternal life and the promise of being in God's presence forever provide a solid foundation for happiness that cannot be shaken.


Believers can endure present challenges because they know that these are temporary and will give way to eternal happiness in Jehovah's presence. This future hope not only sustains joy in the present but also inspires a life of faithfulness and obedience to God's Word.



About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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