Biblical Answer

Understanding God's Sovereignty and Happiness

When we experience a loss of happiness, it's natural to wonder why God allowed it. However, we must consider the possibility that God's removal of happiness is not a punishment, but rather a teaching moment to help us walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). Our worth to Him is not diminished by our struggles, but rather, it's in these times that we are given the opportunity to grow in our knowledge of His love and our own sin (Deuteronomy 8:2). As the Bible says, "If God withdraws His conscious blessings, it's to teach you to walk by faith, not sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).

The Connection between God's Happiness and Ours

The Bible teaches us that God's happiness or blessedness is directly connected to His own person, as the focus of all that is worthy of joy or delight. This means that God is perfectly happy, having fullness of joy in Himself (Psalm 16:11). As the psalmist writes, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). Our happiness, on the other hand, is often tied to our circumstances, but true joy comes from God, and we are freed to take joy in the things He has blessed (1 Timothy 6:17). This understanding helps us see that God's happiness is not conditional upon ours, but rather, He saves us for His own glory and for our joy (John 16:22).

A New Perspective on Suffering

Our faulty theology of suffering often leads us to believe that God wants to heal us because He loves us and has a wonderful plan for our lives. However, this perspective neglects the sovereignty of God and His role in our lives. Instead, we must come to understand that God's happiness is not dependent on our circumstances, but rather, it's in the midst of our struggles that we are given the opportunity to grow in our faith and knowledge of His love. As the apostle Paul writes, "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:12-13). This perspective helps us see that true joy comes from God, and it's in Him that we find our happiness, regardless of our circumstances.