I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.

pS. 43:4 esv

It is true we read very little of happiness in most English translations of the Bible. But we read a lot about joy. What’s that all about?

In the Old Testament the Hebrew words translated as joy or rejoice spring from solid foundations. A wise son gives joy (Prov. 15:20), kindness from others brings joy (Prov. 12:25), and meeting a loved one is a joyous occasion (Exodus 4:14). But by far the greatest source of joy in the Old Testament is God himself (see Ps. 5:11, 9:2, 16:9, 32:11, 40:16, etc.)

If there is a difference to be made between happiness and joy in the Christian, it may be that while happiness and pleasure arise from changing circumstances, real joy springs from an unchangeable source, God himself. Because that is true, it is possible for us to face a frowning world with joy in our hearts.

After all, we were made for this! The old Westminster catechism asks and answers this question, “What is the chief end of man?”

Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him for ever.

wSc q1