Does god say in the bible that he wants us to be happy?

Answer 1

yes

Answer:

God says that He wants us to be "obedient to His laws."

"Now if you OBEY ME FULLY and KEEP MY COVENANT, then out of all nations you will be My treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for Me a Kingdom of Priests and a holy nation..." (Ex.19:5-6 NIV).

He tells us through Moses:

"Keep His decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, SO THAT IT MAY GO WELL WITH YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AFTER YOU AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG IN THE LAND THE LORD YOUR GOD GIVES YOU FOR ALL TIME." (Deut.4:40 NIV)

Most people would agree that if "things are going well"... they're pretty happy. Most people are pretty happy if no one is forcing them off their land.

Most people are happy when "life is good"... and not so happy when it's not.

The Bible tells us that God is the Father of those who obey him... and that those who are disobedient are the children of the Devil.

"...you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient." (Eph.2:1-2 NIV)

"You belong to your father, the Devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the Truth, for there is no Truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44 NIV)

Like any good father [of whom God is the BEST]... He wants His Children to be happy. But, also like any good father... He, first and foremost, WANTS HIS CHILDREN TO OBEY THE RULES OF HIS HOUSEHOLD!!!

In this arrangement lies harmony, joy and happiness within the family structure in the Father's House.

"Live in harmony with one another... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Rom.12:16-21 NIV)

In other words... God gives man a choice as to whether or not to obey the laws He has laid down for our happiness. That choice determines whether or not we will be happy... or miserable.

And He tells us that the choice we make [right or wrong] shall come under Judgment

"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." (Eccle.11:9 NIV)

This "first phase" of life we've been given is a "learning experience." We have to experience evil if we are to understand how good good is. We all have to develop "character" [our own unique personality] that makes us who and what we shall become. And that character is built on the choices we make in life... right or wrong.

And it's built on how we deal with the bad choices... and how we deal with the evil things that come our way that we didn't choose.

Of course, God wants us to be happy. But, like righteous character... happiness, also, can't be merely handed out. IT HAS TO BE DISCOVERED.

And that discovery comes in the course of living life. And our choice as to whose laws we will obey -- the laws of God, which are aimed at loving and respecting one another. Or the lawless ways of the god of this world, who advocates living opposite and contrary to the ways of God.

Happiness and Joy is best when SHARED! Like God's Holy Spirit, it must FLOW through us, through others to be truly enjoyed. Jesus' parable of the "good, faithful" and obedient servant reveals this:

"...WELL DONE, good and faithful sernant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and SHARE YOUR MASTER's HAPPINESS!" (Matt.25:23 NIV)

Of course, God wants us to be happy. And this comes by the DOING of the law... not the BREAKING of it. True happiness only comes through our learning to obey the voice of our Creator and His laws... through our learning to Love one another.

"So then, the law is Holy, and the Commandment is Holy, Righteous and Good." (Rom.7:12 NIV)

"...I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse -- the blessing [happiness] IF YOU OBEY THE COMMANDS OF THE LORD YOUR GOD that I am giving you today;

"the curse [unhappiness] IF YOU DISOBEY THE COMMANDS OF THE LORD YOUR GOD and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods..." (Deut.11:26-28 NIV).

Happiness is a matter of choice. And God tells us in the Bible to "choose wisely."

"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you Life and Death, Blessings and Curses. Now CHOOSE LIFE, so that you and your children may Live and that you may Love the LORD your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the LORD is your Life..." (Deut.30:19-20 NIV)