Is God happy? I know, what a strange thing to ask. But has that question ever come across your mind? Now, before I go any further, let me say that He is not happy with sin and the havoc it has brought on His creation. At least that is what I think from what I see in His word. But what about when it comes to His gospel or His kingdom, and things like that, do these things make Him happy?
(1 Timothy 1:11)…..according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.
As I have preached before, one of the words that defines “blessed” is the word happy. The Greek word is “makarios” (Strong’s #3107) is translated “happy.” With that in mind, think about how the word ‘makarios” is used in this (1 Timothy) verse. Have we ever thought that God is happy when it comes to the glorious gospel of His Son Jesus Christ. For the most part, I usually thought of God as being serious and somber, but not really happy, even though I know He is. I hope you know what I mean by that.
There are a few translations that are in print that even call Him “the Happy God.” The Concordant Literal Version says of (1 Timothy 1:11)…..”in accord with the evangel of the glory of the happy God, with which I was entrusted.” The Rotherham translation would say…..” according to the glad-message of the glory of the happy God.” With all the evil that has been going on in history, and that evil growing worse and worse as the Day of the Lords return approaches, I would tend to think that God is only serious all the time. Yet one of His attributes is that He is “happy.” Wow!
God is not burdened down with sadness and woe, but instead is able to rejoice in gladness and happiness. I don’t think God would tell us to do what He does not do Himself. And Scripture repeatedly tells us to rejoice. He does want us to be happy in Him. (Romans 14:17) says God’s Kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy. For joy to describe God’s Kingdom, it must be a happy place.
(Psalm 16:11)…..You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
It only stands to reason that if there is fullness of joy in God’s presence, it must be a happy place. If being in God’s presence is a happy place, then He must be a happy God. We are His people and we are to become more and more like Him. It is God’s plan that we are conformed to the exact image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). So we should become happier as we grow in our faith. God’s people should be happy people, right? Are you happy? Life will be difficult and tough, but we can walk by faith and rejoice with God, knowing He is working things out.
(Zephaniah 3:17)…..The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”