Biblical Answer

Happiness and Joy

When we lose everything, it can be difficult to find happiness. However, true happiness comes from joy, not pleasure. Joy is a deeper and more lasting feeling than pleasure, and it is what gives us a sense of fulfillment and contentment. The Bible teaches that joy is a gift from God, and it is available to us even in the midst of suffering (Ps. 16:11). In fact, the Bible says that we can experience joy in our hearts even when we are surrounded by sorrow (Ps. 16:9).

The key to finding joy is to look beyond our circumstances and to focus on God's presence and provision in our lives. When we put our trust in God and recognize that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28), we can experience joy even in the midst of hardship. This is not to say that we will never experience sadness or pain, but rather that we can learn to see our difficulties as opportunities for growth and for drawing closer to God. As the Bible says, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4).

In fact, the Bible teaches that our greatest joys often come from serving others and putting their needs ahead of our own. When we prioritize the happiness of others, we are not only reflecting God's love and care, but we are also experiencing joy ourselves. This is why the Bible says, "There is no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth" (3 John 1:4). By putting the needs of others ahead of our own and by seeking to serve and love them, we can experience a deep and lasting joy that is not dependent on our circumstances. This is the kind of joy that is available to us today, and it is a joy that will only increase in the future when we are with God in eternity. (Ps. 16:11)