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Happiness

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July 2023

July 31, 2023

What Are Common Objections to the Idea That God Wants Christians to Experience Happiness in Him?

In “Should Christians Desire to Be Happy?”, I shared that the belief that Christ is the...

July 03, 2023

Who or What Is Our Primary Source of Happiness?

Happiness can’t be bigger than its source. God is primary; all other forms of happiness—relationships,...

June 2023

June 22, 2023

Gratitude Multiplies When We Give It to God

Our thankfulness glorifies God and makes Him happy: “The one who offers thanksgiving as his...

June 08, 2023

Christ, the Wisdom of God

n 1 Corinthians 1:24, Paul calls Christ “the wisdom of God.” Jesus referred to Himself...

June 05, 2023

Should Christians Desire to Be Happy?

C. S. Lewis wrote in The Weight of Glory, If there lurks in most modern minds...

March 2023

March 13, 2023

Happiness: Good News Worth Sharing

G. K. Chesterton has been widely credited with saying, “Jesus promised His disciples three things—that...

February 2023

February 20, 2023

The Further We Move from God, the Further We Move from Happiness

Aren’t we all weary of the onslaught of politicians, religious leaders, and commercials promising more...

January 2023

January 26, 2023

God’s Faithfulness in the Past Assures Our Happy Future

Psychotherapist Lynne Rosen and motivational speaker John Littig cohosted an hour-long radio show on WBAI...

January 23, 2023

God Invites Us into His Happiness

In my book Happiness, I assert that modern Christians need to speak more, not less, about happiness—the...

December 2022

December 22, 2022

Gratitude Coupled with Humble Service Multiples Happiness

Dennis Prager writes, “We tend to think that it is being unhappy that leads people...

December 15, 2022

Rejoicing Is Rooted in Our God, Not Our Circumstances

Rejoicing always in the Lord (see Philippians 4:4) may seem unrealistic at times. But we...

November 2022

November 24, 2022

Putting God First Enhances Everything Beneath Him

In Eyes Wide Open, Steve DeWitt says, “Christians who properly place God as the source and...

November 03, 2022

When “Blessed” Means “Happy”

Growing up in an unbelieving home, I never heard the word blessed as a child. After I...

October 2022

October 22, 2022

How Can Reading God’s Word Promote Lasting Happiness?

“How sweet Your word is to my taste—sweeter than honey in my mouth.” (Psalm 119:103,...

September 2022

September 19, 2022

Should We Want Our Children to Be Happy?

It’s common to hear advice to Christian parents encouraging them to want more for their...

April 2022

April 04, 2022

Finding Happiness Even in Hard Times: My Interview with Brain Surgeon Dr. Lee Warren

A few weeks ago I had a delightful conversation with Dr. Lee Warren for his podcast about my...

February 2022

February 28, 2022

Finding Happiness in Christ Is Not Automatic

The book of Nehemiah records God’s sovereign plan to rebuild Jerusalem. Yet it repeatedly shows...

December 2021

December 20, 2021

Does It Matter Whether We Serve God with Joyfulness and Gladness of Heart?

In this two-minute video, I talk about Deuteronomy 28:47, which says, “Because you did not serve the...

July 2021

July 15, 2021

Why Do You Want to Be Happy?

Based on books I’ve read, sermons I’ve heard, and conversations I’ve had, it’s clear many...

April 2021

April 12, 2021

Evolution Can’t Account for Our Inborn Longing for Happiness

If you asked any group of people what they want out of life, chances are...

March 2021

March 15, 2021

Encouragement for Those Who Feel They Have Lost Hope

2020 was a rough year for many of us, and rougher still for the poor...

March 11, 2021

Common Christian Myths About Happiness

Puritan preacher Thomas Brooks said, “God is the author of all true happiness; he is...

January 2021

January 04, 2021

Why “Happy New Year” Wishes Can Be Realistic or Unrealistic

I’ve been reflecting on leaving the year 2020 and entering a 2021 where there is...

November 2020

November 19, 2020

Breathe in the Happiness of Heaven

I grew up in an unbelieving home, and first heard about Christ as a teenager....

October 2020

October 19, 2020

How Do We Shine the Light of Jesus in a Dark World?

Jesus…said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in...

August 2020

August 03, 2020

The Fruit of the Spirit Are Ingredients of Happiness

What’s our greatest source of joy? Paul pointed to the Holy Spirit: “The fruit of...

July 2020

July 18, 2020

Happy, Grateful People Never Get Over God’s Grace

John Piper says, “Gratitude leaves no room for sin, because it comes out of humility,...

June 2020

June 29, 2020

In Challenging Times, Seek Your Satisfaction in God and His Word

Flight crews routinely announce, “If you’re traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance,...

May 2020

May 18, 2020

Four Reasons Christians Distinguish Between Happiness and Joy

When I was writing my book Happiness, I knew that the chapter on “What’s the Difference...

February 2020

February 03, 2020

Is It Possible to Be Happy in Christ Despite Suffering?

God never guarantees that the Christian life will be smooth or easy. In fact, he...

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