The word “happy” is found 26 times in the King James translation of the Bible and in each case, it could be translated “blessed.” It is very close in meaning to the word “joy” which speaks of “an inner contentment and peace.” We know that there are things in the world that can cause one to be “happy” but these are usually temporary and are dependent on “favorable circumstances.” But the Lord can give the true believer in Christ true happiness even in the midst of adversity. Let’s consider a few scriptures which teach us HOW to be happy.

In Jeremiah 17:7 says, “BLESSED (Happy) is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose hope is in the LORD” (NKJV). True happiness begins right here! We must first “trust in the Lord for salvation” as we see in Acts 16:31, “BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Once we put our trust in Christ for the salvation of our soul we can then “trust Him” to meet all our needs as we make our way to heaven. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). If we TRUST HIM we will be HAPPY!

In Psalm 1:1-2 we read, “BLESSED (Happy) is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD and in His law he meditates day and night.” True happiness continues as we reject the influences of the ungodly sinners of this world and meditate upon God’s all-sufficient Word which will guide us in every area of our life. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2^nd Timothy 3:16-17).

In John 13:17 we are promised, “If ye know these things HAPPY (Blessed) are ye if ye do them” (KJV). The Lord had just instructed His disciples as to humility and service and then He assures them that they will be HAPPY IF THEY DO THEM. It is not enough to study God’s all-sufficient Word; we must PUT INTO PRACTICE THE TRUTH that we learn. If we do, we will be HAPPY!

In Romans 14:22 we learn, “Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. HAPPY is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.” The Apostle Paul had been speaking of Christian liberties but he cautions us not to flaunt our liberty before someone who may be stumbled by our actions. Even though we believe we have perfect freedom to do something we must consider how others might respond, for if they imitate our actions apart from faith they will end up condemning themselves and we will end up condemning ourselves too for causing them to stumble. In this case it is better to “exercise our faith before God and not others” and if we do, we will be HAPPY!

In 1^st Peter 3:14 & 4:14 we are instructed about suffering “for righteousness” and “for Christ”: “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, HAPPY ARE YE: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled…If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, HAPPY ARE YE; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified” (KJV). As we said, we can be HAPPY “even in the midst of adversity” and here we are taught that if we are willing to be persecuted for “doing what is right” and for “speaking Christ’s name” we are HAPPY. We are BLESSED because “the Spirit of glory and of God” rests on us; that is, the Holy Spirit is with us in a very special way as we are willingly enduring trials for Christ. We see this lived out in the lives of Peter and other apostles in Acts 5:40-41, “And when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, REJOICING that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.”

These are just a few examples from Scripture on “how to be HAPPY.” We have seen that happiness is NOT DEPENDENT ON CIRCUMSTANCES; that is, we don’t have to be experiencing things like people liking us, a good job, good health, prosperity, etc. to be happy. We have seen that happiness is a state of mind and heart that is DEPENDENT ON TRUSTING THE LORD, KNOWING HIS WILL, AND LIVING FOR HIS HONOR AND GLORY. When our goal is to glorify God we will have true HAPPINESS (i.e. JOY), for the Spirit of God, who indwells us, will give us the power to bear this precious fruit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace…..” (Galatians 5:22).  (449.1)  (DO)