Resources by Topic: Happiness

It may sound selfish to say that one of our main duties in life is to find happiness, satisfaction, peace, and rest in God. But only when we’re delighting in our Lord do we have far more to offer everyone else—especially in times of stress and difficulty, when life demands even more of us.

In this video clip, Randy Alcorn and Greg Laurie discuss how serving and giving contribute to one's happiness and they also discuss what can contribute to someone's unhappiness. 

In this video clip, Randy Alcorn and Greg Laurie talk about the happiness of God and what scripture says about it. 

The idea that joy and happiness are synonyms can be radical to many readers. In response to a post I shared about happiness, a sincerely concerned person wrote me, “Joy, peace, and contentment do not equal happiness.” To some, the difference between the two words is as central as believing in the deity of Christ or the resurrection!

We instinctively imagine that spending on ourselves will make us happiest. But our greatest joy actually comes when we give to others. It really is true what Jesus said: “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving” (Acts 20:35, GNT). 

Happy people celebrate their conversion not just once, but over and over. They are profoundly grateful for what God has done for them.

In this video, Randy Alcorn and Pastor Greg Laurie discuss Heaven, happiness and the holiday season at Harvest Christian Church in Riverside, CA.

The happiness described in Scripture is all the richer because it doesn’t involve denial or pretense and can be experienced amid severe difficulty. Christ-followers don’t preach the flimsy kind of happiness that’s built on wishful thinking. Instead, our basis for happiness remains true—and sometimes becomes clearer—in suffering.

Reminding yourself of God’s unchanging character and love and faithfulness is critical to being able to rise above the adversity of circumstances that seem to change like the weather.

Though in my books on happiness I emphasize an understanding of happiness based on the Bible, theology, and church history, I’ve also read a dozen or so secular books on happiness. Many writers document remarkable discoveries about happiness that conform to biblical teachings—though few appear to realize the connection.

Positive life circumstances can prompt deep and emotional joy and happiness, and it’s OK to express that, as long as we remember that our ultimate happiness isn’t based on them. Speaking of good news: right now Nanci and I are rejoicing over some very positive news related to her health.

It’s common to blame the world’s suffering and unhappiness on lack of education, opportunity, or resources. If only we knew more or had more, we’d surely be better. No. Our most basic problem is just . . . sin.

Human history is the story of our desperate search for true and lasting happiness. Even those people who appear to “have it all” long for something more, and sadly, they often give up hope of ever finding contentment and joy.

In Randy's book Happiness, he writes that “True holiness always manifests itself in authentic happiness.” Is the reverse true? If I’m struggling with happiness, perhaps holiness is lacking in my life?