In the sacred pages of the Bible, we discover not only a source of unwavering faith but also a timeless guide to how to be happy as a Christian. For believers, the pursuit of happiness is not merely a fleeting emotion but a deep-rooted state of being that emerges from a profound connection with God’s word. In this Bible study, we embark on a spiritual exploration, drawing upon the wisdom of scripture to uncover the secrets to lasting joy and contentment in the life of a Christian. The verses contained within these pages are more than words; they are the keys to unlocking a happiness that transcends circumstances, and the divine road map to a fulfilling and purposeful life in Christ. Join us on this transformative journey as we delve into the Bible and uncover the path to happiness as a Christian.
Introduction
2 Chronicles 9:22-27 King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift –articles of silver and gold, and robes, weapons and spices, and horses and mules. Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. He ruled over all the kings from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore- fig trees in the foothills.
In our quest to uncover the path to being happy as a Christian, we turn to the book of Ecclesiastes, the profound wisdom of Solomon, a king who surpassed all others in riches and insight, guided by the wisdom that God had bestowed upon him. In 2 Chronicles 9:22-27, we witness the grandeur and wealth that surrounded King Solomon, with kings from distant lands seeking his counsel and bringing treasures as gifts. However, beneath this opulence lies a deeper inquiry: Did his material wealth alone bring him happiness? What are the true sources of happiness for us as Christians? These questions, intertwined with the essence of contentment, are what we explore in this study, as we consider not only what makes us happy but what should, indeed, make us happy in our spiritual journey.
Point 1: Happiness is a God given thing.
In our quest to understand the true essence of happiness as a Christian, we turn to the wisdom embedded in Ecclesiastes 2:24-26. This scripture imparts not just a single piece of wisdom but offers a multifaceted perspective on what it means to find lasting happiness in the context of one’s faith.
Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
Find Satisfaction in Your Work
The first facet revolves around finding satisfaction in one’s work. As Christians, we are encouraged to view our vocations through a spiritual lens. It’s not just about finding a job that pays the bills; it’s about seeking employment that aligns with our Christian values, enabling us to contribute positively to the world while fulfilling our Christian purpose. God does not merely hand us our dream job on a silver platter; instead, He empowers us to seek work that we truly enjoy. It’s a reflection of our responsibility to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12) and to actively seek work that resonates with our faith. While the quest to discover the ideal job may take time and effort, remember that, in God’s eyes, it’s a worthwhile endeavour.
In essence, this means taking personal responsibility for your spiritual growth and development, not merely expecting God to dictate your career path. As a recruiter, I used to often ask during job interviews, “What’s your ideal position?” The typical response was, “Something I’m good at.” But as Christians, we should aim for more than mere competence in our work; we should seek positions that align with our faith and values, positions that hold personal meaning.
Consider roles like nursing, teaching, or medical professions, where you can live out your Christian values by helping others. Think about jobs that offer a platform for evangelism, such as positions with significant interaction with people. Alternatively, roles that enable you to provide for your family and contribute generously to missions and the church can bring deep satisfaction. Additionally, there’s a profound connection between finding work you enjoy and your overall happiness. Remember the saying, “If you find a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Focus on Pleasing God, Not Self
The second facet of happiness as a Christian lies in focusing on pleasing God rather than seeking self-gratification. According to the above passage, Ecclesiastes 2:24-26, when you please God, He rewards you with wisdom, knowledge, and happiness. Pleasing God encompasses several aspects of Christian living. For example:
- Prayer: Spending time in prayer pleases God, deepening your relationship with Him. It’s not surprising that God delights in your efforts to communicate with Him (also see 1 Timothy 2:1-3).
Proverbs 15:8 The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
- Praising God: God takes joy in your praises. The act of singing and offering heartfelt gratitude in your worship pleases Him, as highlighted in Psalms 69:30-31.
Psalms 69:30-31 I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs.
- Listening to Him: Engaging in Bible study and striving to understand God’s heart and mind fosters a close relationship. This interaction is akin to a father-son/daughter relationship, as mentioned in Proverbs 22:17-18.
Proverbs 22:17-18 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.
- Integrity: God often tests us to assess the quality of our character, examining our integrity and how willing we are to do what’s right, even in the face of adversity. Acts of integrity are pleasing to God, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 29:17.
1 Chronicles 29:17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.
- Righteous Handling of Money: God’s watchful eye is on how we manage our finances, especially in terms of generosity, giving to the poor, supporting fellow believers, and contributing to the running of the church. It’s highlighted in Philippians 4:18.
Philippians 4:18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
- Doing Good Deeds: Acts of kindness, done selflessly and with no expectation of return, are pleasing to God, as affirmed in Hebrews 13:16.
Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased
- Saving the Lost: God’s greatest pleasure is in saving people. By partnering with Him to bring others to salvation, you participate in His greatest work. This is expressed in 1 Corinthians 1:21.
1 Corinthians 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
- Living by Faith: Pleasing God involves putting your faith in Him and living as if He will come through for you, trusting in His promises. Hebrews 11:6 emphasises that living by faith is pleasing to God.
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
- Looking After Your Family: Caring for your family and honouring your parents aligns with God’s will and pleases Him, as stated in 1 Timothy 5:4.
1 Timothy 5:4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.
Living a Selfless Life: Solomon’s selfless heart when he asked God for wisdom rather than personal gain exemplifies the spirit of living selflessly, which pleases God (1 Kings 3:6-10).
1 Kings 3:6-10 Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.” “Now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.
Consequences of Not Living to Please God
In the absence of a life dedicated to pleasing God, individuals tend to fall into the category of unhappy sinners. According to Ecclesiastes 2:26, they may find themselves accumulating wealth for the sake of accumulating, with no greater purpose than to pass it on to those who do live to please God. This existence is likened to “chasing after the wind,” emphasizing the futility and emptiness of a life devoid of a higher spiritual purpose.
Ecclesiastes 2:26b but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
This section underscores the profound truth that lasting happiness, as a Christian, hinges on our willingness to align our work and actions with God’s principles and our devotion to pleasing Him above all. In the forthcoming sections, we will explore each of these aspects in more detail, shedding light on how they contribute to genuine and enduring happiness in our Christian journey.
Point 2. Happiness is all about relationships.
As we continue our exploration into the pursuit of happiness as a Christian, we turn our attention to Ecclesiastes 5:18-20. These verses emphasize that the key to genuine happiness is rooted in relationships – both our relationship with God and our relationships with others.
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him–for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work–this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.
Again, you must find satisfaction in your work, this comes through who you work with, not what you work at. The passage reaffirms the importance of finding satisfaction in our work, echoing the sentiments expressed in Ecclesiastes 2:24-26. Material wealth and possessions, as these verses clarify, do not inherently bring happiness. True happiness is intricately linked with the quality of our relationships, both with God and with others.
Wealth and possessions do not in of themselves bring happiness
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 reiterates that the mere accumulation of wealth and possessions should not be confused with happiness. These external factors, while significant in their own right, do not automatically lead to contentment and joy. Instead, true happiness lies in a different realm, one where our interactions with others take precedence.
What brings happiness is great relationships
The fundamental message conveyed in this passage is that what truly brings happiness is the cultivation of great relationships. As Christians, it’s essential to recognise that happiness is not an isolated pursuit but a shared journey, characterised by the quality of the relationships we build with both God and our fellow believers.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness
Central to the pursuit of happiness is the development of a profound relationship with God. This relationship stems from maintaining a clear conscience and living righteously. As we are reminded in Matthew 6:33, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness is the foundation of a fulfilling relationship with Him.
Psalm 133: 1-3 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
Equally crucial is fostering great relationships with others. Christian relationships should be free from jealousy, slander, and anger, and should be characterised by closeness, love, and support. Within the Christian community, such relationships extend to Christian marriages, families, and fellow believers. The harmony of these relationships echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 133:1-3, illustrating the beauty and blessings of brothers and sisters living in unity. This unity is likened to precious oil, anointing and enriching our lives. It’s compared to the dew of Hermon falling upon Mount Zion, symbolizing the divine blessings that flow when we cultivate such harmonious relationships.
Point 3. Keep things in perspective.
Ecclesiastes 7:14a When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other.
In the third segment of our journey to unravel the pursuit of happiness as a Christian, we turn to the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 7:14a. These verses implore us to maintain a balanced perspective on life, recognising that there will be moments of both joy and adversity. This section of the article emphasises the significance of appreciating the good times and learning from the bad times, always with the awareness that God has designed both.
You need to:
- Celebrate the good times, stop and smell the roses: Ecclesiastes 7:14a encourages us to revel in the moments of happiness and accomplishment. It’s a reminder to savour life’s victories, both big and small, and take time to appreciate the blessings we encounter. In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to overlook the beauty and joy around us. This verse serves as a call to slow down, celebrate, and “smell the roses” in the garden of life.
- When, not if, there will be bad times or failures, consider why we failed and learn from them. This wisdom acknowledges that life is not without its trials and tribulations. It prompts us to adopt a growth mindset when faced with failures and hardships. Adversity is not meant to break us but to teach us. It’s through pain, challenges, and even tragedies that we learn important life lessons, discover our resilience, and acquire the empathy to understand and help others in similar situations.
- Hurts, even deaths, help us keep perspective on life and learn how not to treat others from the hurts done to us. Pain is a great trainer. Pain and suffering, although difficult to endure, have the unique capacity to instil wisdom. They enable us to gain perspective on life and inform us on how to treat others with empathy and compassion. Just as physical pain alerts us to potential harm, emotional pain alerts us to harmful behaviours or thought patterns that need correction. It’s through these experiences that we develop the understanding of what not to do and how to treat others with kindness.
God wants us to be happy.
Ecclesiastes 8:15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.
God desires happiness for His children. As Christians, we’re called to enjoy life’s blessings and find joy in our daily activities. It’s a reminder that we are not meant to lead lives devoid of happiness but rather to embrace the enjoyment of life that God provides.
What is the point in leading a life where we do not enjoy it? Living a life devoid of joy and enjoyment contradicts the essence of God’s intent for His creation. As beings created in His image, we are meant to experience joy and fulfillment.
You only get one life; our earthly life is a precious and finite gift. This life is not a dress rehearsal but the main act. The recognition that we have only one life to live compels us to make the most of it and to actively pursue happiness.
What do you enjoy? Write a list, are these things in your daily, weekly, or monthly schedule?
To experience happiness, it’s essential to identify the activities and moments that bring us joy. By creating a list of these enjoyable things and incorporating them into our daily, weekly, or monthly routines, we intentionally infuse our lives with happiness.
Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.
You can do pretty much anything. Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 encourages a spirit of youthful enthusiasm. It highlights that while you’re young, you have the freedom to explore life and enjoy its pleasures. However, it comes with a crucial caveat. Keep in mind everything will be judged by God, so do not do:
- Things that will damage you, short term or long term: While you have the freedom to experience life, it’s essential to make choices that do not harm you physically, mentally, or spiritually, both in the short term and the long term. These decisions should align with the principles of responsible living.
- Things that you will regret: Avoid actions that you’ll later regret. Life’s moments are precious, and decisions that lead to lasting remorse can diminish happiness.
- Do not do things that will bring judgment on yourself: Recognize that every choice and action will ultimately be subject to God’s judgment. Live in a manner that reflects His grace, and strive to avoid choices that would bring judgment upon you.
Ultimately there is a judgment. This verse reminds us that a day of judgment will come. As Christians, we should live in a way that respects God’s grace and seeks to please Him.
We do not know when our lives will end, and we do not want to either mock God or take His grace for granted.
In acknowledging the uncertainty of our earthly life, we should strive to live in a manner that does not mock God’s grace or take it for granted. This involves making choices that reflect our reverence for the gift of life and His abounding grace.
Conclusion
In closing our exploration of “How to be happy as a Christian,” we arrive at a profound conclusion, one that encapsulates the essence of our Christian journey, as expressed in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. These verses serve as the ultimate guiding principle for a life filled with joy and purpose.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
The ultimate purpose in life is to live for God.
The core of our existence, according to this scripture, is to fear God and keep His commandments. This, it asserts, is the complete duty of humanity. When we live in alignment with God’s will and His divine commandments, we are embracing our ultimate purpose. It’s a call to follow His ways and principles with devotion and reverence, ensuring that we eagerly anticipate the day of judgment.
Living in harmony with God’s ways allows us to anticipate the day of judgment with hope and assurance. Instead of fearing judgment, we can view it as a day when our faithfulness and obedience will be celebrated. By following God’s guidance, we shape our lives to be a testament to His grace, mercy, and love, paving the way for a future that we eagerly await.
Have as much fun between now and the day we die.
While living for God and honoring His commandments is our primary calling, it’s essential to remember that our Christian journey is not meant to be devoid of happiness and enjoyment. Life is a precious gift from God, and He wants us to find joy in our daily experiences.
Often you need to schedule fun or it never happens, consistent schedule, planned events to look forward to. In the hustle and bustle of life, we can sometimes forget to embrace the joys that are readily available to us. This is where a well-structured approach comes into play. By consistently scheduling and planning enjoyable activities, we actively infuse our lives with happiness and anticipate these moments of delight.
In essence, our conclusion is twofold: live in reverence to God and strive to fulfill His commandments, anticipating the day of judgment with hope. Simultaneously, cherish and make the most of every day, actively scheduling moments of fun and happiness in your life. In this harmonious combination, we find the key to how to be truly happy as a Christian.
As we take these principles to heart, we embark on a journey marked by profound joy, purpose, and a sense of fulfillment that transcends the ups and downs of life. Living for God and embracing happiness go hand in hand, creating a life well-lived and ultimately pleasing in His sight.