Yes! (Shock) God wants you to be happy.

Sadly, some Christians seem afraid of joy. They live with little joy themselves and they find it difficult to see joy in others. They are like the moon—high and clearly visible, but cold.

Please hear me: Jesus filled the lives of those He touched with joy. And He wants to fill your life with joy, too.

How else could He tell you to “rejoice always”?

What Kind of Joy Does God Offer?

The joy that God offers doesn’t depend on your circumstances. It is not a fleeting feeling that comes and goes with the ups and downs of life. This joy is rooted in something much deeper—something eternal.

It is a joy found in the Lord Himself.

I cannot stress this enough: You must not base your joy on circumstances or feelings. Why?

  • Feelings are often deceptive.
  • Circumstances change like the wind.

If you rely on internal or external experiences for your happiness, you will find yourself on an emotional rollercoaster, unable to find true joy and peace.

I speak from personal experience. 

It discourages me that I don’t see more people coming to faith in Christ. I long to see God’s church filled to overflowing with hearts young and old hungering and thirsting after God. I ask God for this daily. I give Him no rest.

So let’s say that God answered my prayer. Let’s say He blew our doors down and we had to run multiple services to accommodate everyone. Would that be a cause for great joy?

Yes! But I would also be in danger of finding my ultimate joy in how many disciples I saw multiplied, instead of what is truly ultimate.

Where Does True Joy Come From?

Luke 10:20 says:

“… rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

The true source of joy is your salvation—the fact that, through faith in Jesus Christ, you are personally known by God and will live with Him forever. This is the treasure; everything else is just glitter. The God of the universe wrote my name down in His book of life!

Reflect: Where Do You Find Joy?

Let me ask you a personal question. What comes to mind when you hear the phrase:

“I would only be happy if ______________.”

If your answer is anything other than “I can have an eternal relationship with God,” then you have built your joy on shaky ground.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16, God tells us to:

“Rejoice always.”

And Philippians 4:4 says:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

How is it possible to always be joyful? It is possible only if your joy is grounded in something unshakable—Christ Himself.

Misplaced Joy Will Fail You

If your happiness depends on:

  • Relationships
  • Wealth
  • Human praise
  • Personal success

… it can all be taken away in an instant. And it will be taken away at the very moment you pass into eternity.

But if your joy is rooted in the unchanging love and acceptance of God, no circumstance, not even death can rob you of it.

Closing Thoughts

God doesn’t just want you to be happy—He wants you to experience a joy that lasts forever. The joy that comes from knowing Him, walking with Him, and trusting in His promises.

So ask yourself today:

  • Am I chasing joy in fleeting things?
  • Or am I anchoring my joy in the eternal love of God?

Take a moment to thank God for your salvation, and ask Him to help you find joy in the blessed assurance of eternal life with Him.