Happiness Scriptures

Whenever it seems that there is some major change on its way, or needed,
I have the habit of turning to scripture to make sure that things are still
aligned with what I consider to be our most important manual for life - the
Bible.

For those of you who share this priority with me, here are some of the
scriptures I found that relates to happiness.  This is not an extensive list -
but it will give you some idea of why I was somewhat surprised that I'd never
quite grasped that God wants us to be happy, most of the time, before:

    Deu 12:18  You and your children, together with your servants and
    the Levites who live in your towns, are to eat these offerings only in
    the presence of the LORD your God, in the one place of worship
    chosen by the LORD your God. And you are to be happy there over
    everything that you have done.

    Deu 24:5  "When a man is newly married, he is not to be drafted into
    military service or any other public duty; he is to be excused from
    duty for one year, so that he can stay at home and make his wife
    happy.

    1Ki 8:66  On the eighth day Solomon sent the people home. They all
    praised him and went home happy because of all the blessings that
    the LORD had given his servant David and his people Israel.

    1Ch 29:9  The people had given willingly to the LORD, and they were
    happy that so much had been given. King David also was extremely
    happy.

    Psa 84:4  How happy are those who live in your Temple, always
    singing praise to you.

    Psa 84:5  How happy are those whose strength comes from you, who
    are eager to make the pilgrimage to Mount Zion.

    Psa 106:3  Happy are those who obey his commands, who always do
    what is right.

    Psa 119:162  How happy I am because of your promises--- as happy
    as someone who finds rich treasure.

    Pro 3:13  Happy is anyone who becomes wise---who comes to have
    understanding.

    Pro 3:18  Those who become wise are happy; wisdom will give them
    life.

    Pro 8:32  "Now, young people, listen to me. Do as I say, and you will
    be happy.

    Pro 8:34  Those who listen to me will be happy--- those who stay at
    my door every day, waiting at the entrance to my home.

    Pro 16:20  Pay attention to what you are taught, and you will be
    successful; trust in the LORD and you will be happy.

    Mat 5:12  Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in
    heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were
    persecuted.

    Mat 24:46  How happy that servant is if his master finds him doing
    this when he comes home!

    Luk 15:9  When she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors
    together, and says to them, 'I am so happy I found the coin I lost. Let
    us celebrate!'

    Rom 4:7  "Happy are those whose wrongs are forgiven, whose sins
    are pardoned!

    Rom 14:22  Keep what you believe about this matter, then, between
    yourself and God. Happy are those who do not feel guilty when they
    do something they judge is right!



Now I know that some people have issues with the Good News Bible.  But
I've selected only the texts where the word "happy" really seems to fit the
context.  I think the words "blessed" and "joy" have become far too serious
for what Scripture seemed to be telling us in many of these verses.

And yes, there will still be times of trouble, and difficulty, but I've begun to
realize that in anything and everything, God actually wants us to be happy.  
Not some deep serious joy in the midst of tribulation.  Happy like jumping up
and down.
Happiness in Scripture