It might surprise you to learn that secular studies are emphatic in their assertion that giving makes people happier. Most of the people who conduct these studies don’t realize they’re agreeing with Jesus, who said: “It is more blessed [makarios: happy-making] to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Whether we find ourselves having reason to celebrate or to mourn, there’s never a time not to express our gratitude to God. Psalm 140:13 declares, “Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name.” Giving thanks is what God’s people do.

In this interview with Susie Larson on her Live the Promise show, Randy Alcorn unpacks the joyful calling of the Christian life and the source of true happiness, identifying our real circumstances in Christ.

I heard Corrie ten Boom talk once of meeting a sadistically cruel guard from the death camp Ravensbrück, where she'd been a prisoner. As you read her account of this meeting, marvel at the Messiah's grace, and His empowerment to His people to extend that grace to others.

There’s a long rich, history of equating joy with happiness in Christ. In stark contrast to believers prior to the twentieth century, many modern Christians have portrayed happiness as, at best, inferior to joy and, at worst, evil. 

In October 2015, Randy Alcorn was a guest on Greg Laurie's Podcast, A New Beginning, talking about happiness. 

In October 2015, Randy Alcorn was a guest on Greg Laurie's Podcast, A New Beginning, talking about happiness. 

If we say the gospel won’t bring happiness, any perceptive listener should respond, “Then how is it good news?” We need to reverse the trend. Let’s redeem the word “happiness” in light of both Scripture and church history. Our message shouldn’t be “Don’t seek happiness,” but “You’ll find in Jesus the happiness you’ve always longed for.”

As a young pastor, I preached, as others still do, “God calls us to holiness, not happiness.” It all sounded so spiritual, and I could quote countless authors and preachers who agreed with me. I’m now convinced we were all dead wrong.