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God's Promise of Happiness
Think God doesn’t want you to be happy? Think again.We know that we will experience unimaginable joy and happiness in Heaven, but that doesn’t mean we can’t also experience joy and happiness here on earth.In God’s Promise of Happiness, bestselling author and noted theologian Randy Alcorn shares select passages and scripture from his latest hardcover release, Happiness, that provide insight, wisdom, and proof positive that God not only wants us to be happy, he commands it!
109 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
77 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Randy Alcorn
223 books1,580 followersRandy Alcorn is the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching biblical truth and drawing attention to the needy and how to help them. EPM exists to meet the needs of the unreached, unfed, unborn, uneducated, unreconciled and unsupported people around the world.
"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."
Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.
Randy is a best-selling author of 50 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.
Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.
Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.
Taken from the Eternal Perspective Ministries website, http://www.epm.org
"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."
Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.
Randy is a best-selling author of 50 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.
Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.
Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.
Taken from the Eternal Perspective Ministries website, http://www.epm.org
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February 16, 2024I listened to the 23 hour audiobook called “Happiness”
The Lord has made me happier, and he has used this book to do it.
The message of this book has been completely transformative for me. Having come through a season of difficulty and sorrow, in which I lamented my own disobedience to the command to “rejoice in the Lord always” I was refreshed and encouraged by the words of Randy Alcorn. I think my trouble was, I was just trying to rejoice. I wasn’t going to the source of all joy and happiness and delighting myself in him. When I focus on myself and this fallen world, of course I will be dismayed. But we are told to rejoice for Christ has overcome the world!
Here are just a few of my take always:
God is happy. Allowing him to make me happy means I am honoring him by being like him. Everything that makes me happy is a gift from him, so pursuing happiness is in line with how he designed me, and he actually is pleased when I enjoy these gifts - so long as I give him thanks for them and recognize his goodness as the source of this happiness. In this way, it is obedience to continually seek joy and happiness in him, directly and through the gifts he gives. It is not only a pleasure to find delight in him, it gives credibility to the good news of great happiness that I wish to share with those I love. Furthermore, as my eternal existence in Heaven and on the New Earth will be full of happiness, it is good practice for my eternal state. 😁
This book reveals that God often uses our own happiness as motivation to trust and obey him. That he does not shy away from appealing to the deep desire he has placed within us to be truly happy. We can be free of all guilt that we want to be happy. He wants us to be happy. And he wants us to want to be happy! This book teaches how to put happiness in God - in its proper place so that it will not become an idol or a snare.
I fully intend to become shockingly, radically happy in the Lord as I continue my life on this Earth for as long as God allows. And to create occasions for myself and others to celebrate with great gladness the goodness of our God. Such freedom and abundant life! What a spacious space to be brought out into. The Father that created me intends to fulfill my every desire, and is the only one who can. I am more fortunate than I had imagined, although I have known of my salvation for many years now.
The Lord has made me happier, and he has used this book to do it.
The message of this book has been completely transformative for me. Having come through a season of difficulty and sorrow, in which I lamented my own disobedience to the command to “rejoice in the Lord always” I was refreshed and encouraged by the words of Randy Alcorn. I think my trouble was, I was just trying to rejoice. I wasn’t going to the source of all joy and happiness and delighting myself in him. When I focus on myself and this fallen world, of course I will be dismayed. But we are told to rejoice for Christ has overcome the world!
Here are just a few of my take always:
God is happy. Allowing him to make me happy means I am honoring him by being like him. Everything that makes me happy is a gift from him, so pursuing happiness is in line with how he designed me, and he actually is pleased when I enjoy these gifts - so long as I give him thanks for them and recognize his goodness as the source of this happiness. In this way, it is obedience to continually seek joy and happiness in him, directly and through the gifts he gives. It is not only a pleasure to find delight in him, it gives credibility to the good news of great happiness that I wish to share with those I love. Furthermore, as my eternal existence in Heaven and on the New Earth will be full of happiness, it is good practice for my eternal state. 😁
This book reveals that God often uses our own happiness as motivation to trust and obey him. That he does not shy away from appealing to the deep desire he has placed within us to be truly happy. We can be free of all guilt that we want to be happy. He wants us to be happy. And he wants us to want to be happy! This book teaches how to put happiness in God - in its proper place so that it will not become an idol or a snare.
I fully intend to become shockingly, radically happy in the Lord as I continue my life on this Earth for as long as God allows. And to create occasions for myself and others to celebrate with great gladness the goodness of our God. Such freedom and abundant life! What a spacious space to be brought out into. The Father that created me intends to fulfill my every desire, and is the only one who can. I am more fortunate than I had imagined, although I have known of my salvation for many years now.
March 15, 2016
Are you a Christian? Do you subtly or perhaps not-so-subtly make distinctions between the words joy and happiness? Do you perhaps see the two as being contrasting qualities? Alcorn hopes to persuade you to see the word happiness differently.
Randy Alcorn asks in his introduction, "Do we seek happiness because we're sinners or because we're human?" It's a good, solid question for sure. Alcorn would argue that we were created--designed--for happiness, to be happy. The fall perhaps corrupted our natural desires for happiness, but, we were always meant to be happy.
Alcorn then argues that Christians often feel guilty and ashamed of being happy, of seeking happiness. Instead of embracing happiness as a gift of God, as part of God's natural-and-good design for us, he says that Christians often feel obligated to feel solemn, sad, contemplative, and "holy." Somehow Christians associate happiness too closely with sin. Alcorn insists that this shouldn't be so!
This little book, to me, felt like a question-and-answer book. Each chapter of the book is PACKED with questions…and answers. Alcorn doesn't leave you in doubt as to what the answers should be. And he typically backs up his answers with at least one or two scripture quotations.
Here are some of the questions the book asks:
Do we have a choice whether or not to desire happiness?
Do we have to choose between God and happiness?
Does the Bible have much to say about happiness?
Doesn't the Bible talk about joy rather than happiness?
Are there big differences between joy and happiness?
Is there any difference between a believer's and an unbeliever's happiness?
Can lasting happiness be found apart from God?
Does the Bible say God is happy?
Is God by nature happy or unhappy?
Was Jesus happy?
How does sin affect our happiness?
What does holiness have to do with happiness?
How can reading the bible increase our happiness?
How central to our happiness is our closeness to Jesus?
Alcorn does ask good questions. And he does provide good, clear answers. I like his use of scripture. I like his use of quotes.
Overall, this is a nice, concise "little" book perfect for reading and sharing with others.
Randy Alcorn asks in his introduction, "Do we seek happiness because we're sinners or because we're human?" It's a good, solid question for sure. Alcorn would argue that we were created--designed--for happiness, to be happy. The fall perhaps corrupted our natural desires for happiness, but, we were always meant to be happy.
Alcorn then argues that Christians often feel guilty and ashamed of being happy, of seeking happiness. Instead of embracing happiness as a gift of God, as part of God's natural-and-good design for us, he says that Christians often feel obligated to feel solemn, sad, contemplative, and "holy." Somehow Christians associate happiness too closely with sin. Alcorn insists that this shouldn't be so!
This little book, to me, felt like a question-and-answer book. Each chapter of the book is PACKED with questions…and answers. Alcorn doesn't leave you in doubt as to what the answers should be. And he typically backs up his answers with at least one or two scripture quotations.
Here are some of the questions the book asks:
Do we have a choice whether or not to desire happiness?
Do we have to choose between God and happiness?
Does the Bible have much to say about happiness?
Doesn't the Bible talk about joy rather than happiness?
Are there big differences between joy and happiness?
Is there any difference between a believer's and an unbeliever's happiness?
Can lasting happiness be found apart from God?
Does the Bible say God is happy?
Is God by nature happy or unhappy?
Was Jesus happy?
How does sin affect our happiness?
What does holiness have to do with happiness?
How can reading the bible increase our happiness?
How central to our happiness is our closeness to Jesus?
Alcorn does ask good questions. And he does provide good, clear answers. I like his use of scripture. I like his use of quotes.
Overall, this is a nice, concise "little" book perfect for reading and sharing with others.
August 23, 2021
Is it wrong to seek happiness? Alcorn seeks to answer this question along with many others in this short booklet. He breaks down the worn out trope that says Christians are supposed to be joyful but not happy. Biblically, Alcorn makes the case that these words are synonyms. Other words include gladness, merriment, delight, and pleasure which are found all throughout Scripture (6). The point is that God built us to desire happiness, and that happiness is chiefly to be sought in him (7). People can seek happiness in sinful things, yes, but it is not the pursuit that is wrong, but where it is sought.
This is just one of the question Alcorn breaks down along with countless others.
Here’s another helpful question he walks through: Is God by nature happy or unhappy? Alcorn says, “I’m convinced most people view God as typically unhappy. They think, ‘Maybe he has occasional moments of happiness, but because we sin we make God unhappy over and over.’ But this logic begins in the wrong place—with us. We flatter ourselves by imagining we are the primary source of God’s happiness, tilting him one way or the other by what we think, do, and say” (27).
Christians do not have to choose between God and happiness. True happiness can only be found in an eternally happy God (32). Sin and worry are enemies of happiness. Embracing holiness does not mean abandoning happiness. “When we lose ourselves in God’s purposes, Jesus says we’ll find ourselves-and also happiness. The sacrifice of following Jesus produces in us the greatest, most lasting happiness” (62).
Great read.
This is just one of the question Alcorn breaks down along with countless others.
Here’s another helpful question he walks through: Is God by nature happy or unhappy? Alcorn says, “I’m convinced most people view God as typically unhappy. They think, ‘Maybe he has occasional moments of happiness, but because we sin we make God unhappy over and over.’ But this logic begins in the wrong place—with us. We flatter ourselves by imagining we are the primary source of God’s happiness, tilting him one way or the other by what we think, do, and say” (27).
Christians do not have to choose between God and happiness. True happiness can only be found in an eternally happy God (32). Sin and worry are enemies of happiness. Embracing holiness does not mean abandoning happiness. “When we lose ourselves in God’s purposes, Jesus says we’ll find ourselves-and also happiness. The sacrifice of following Jesus produces in us the greatest, most lasting happiness” (62).
Great read.
September 5, 2025
3.5. A very short book, a quick read with lots of positive information. I found it a little disconcerting that he jumped all over the place with his scripture translation sources. He used CEV, NLT, NET, GNT, NRSV, NIV, GW, HCSB, plus others. If you like to look up the source so you can see it in context it makes it very difficult. I don’t know if he was trying to include everybody’s favorite translation or what, but I wish he would have picked one and stuck with it.
Just reread what I wrote and I come across as a curmudgeon. Ignore me and read the book, the joy you’ll take away is worth it.
Just reread what I wrote and I come across as a curmudgeon. Ignore me and read the book, the joy you’ll take away is worth it.
March 22, 2018
A quick read if you are looking for scripture and happiness. We all want to be happy! Life isn't easy. We should be happy walking with our Savior. Sorrow and joy do battle. When our thoughts are on God, joy is never far away. Our perspective determines our focus. Lots of great thoughts and inspiration!
January 6, 2023
This wasn't what I was expecting but it was still worth reading. I read something years ago that changed my perspective of God. It made me see God truly as my heavenly Father who wants the same great things for me that my birth father would. God didn't send Jesus to die on the cross for us so we could live unhappy lives. I believe that God wants us to be happy and have joy in our lives.
November 30, 2016
Practical
Solid, biblically-grounded encouragement with helpful steps to implement now. Straightens out common misconceptions about what scripture really says about God's happiness and ours.
Solid, biblically-grounded encouragement with helpful steps to implement now. Straightens out common misconceptions about what scripture really says about God's happiness and ours.
March 16, 2022
God's Promise of Happiness is a short book but it really gets you thinking about how joy and happiness are linked to our salvation. I am looking forward to reading the larger version, Happiness.
Randy Alcorn writes books that are faith-based and easily read and understood.
Randy Alcorn writes books that are faith-based and easily read and understood.
August 25, 2017
This is phenomenal book even being a short little book like it is. I can't wait to read the longer version of the book. Highly recommended
October 8, 2018
Great book to gift for a friend. It's small, so it's a nice pick-me-up. I read it in a day, but I am very encouraged.
April 1, 2019
This was a great little booklet on having a Christian view on happiness (and why it's okay to want to be happy). I was glad I took the time to read it.
March 18, 2017
This is a condensation or excerpt of the nearly 500-page hardcover book, Happiness. It's a short booklet filled with Scriptural references. I've heard so much about the difference between happiness and joy, I was surprised to read that happiness, joy, blessed, and a number of other words all relate to the same thing. The author makes a good case that God wants us to be happy and that we should be happy because of all that the Lord has done for us.
September 18, 2019
This makes me want to read the full book this is based on.
January 26, 2016
This book increased my happiness!
Really enjoyed this book. Gave a healthy perspective on happiness, and made me think a lot.
I hear this may just be an excerpt of a book, but it was lengthy enough to consider it a book - but the fact that it was short also made it enjoyable.
It is chalked full of scripture and quotes from Piper, Tozer, Keller and Lewis.
Quotes are inspiring, the Scripture is powerful.
The scriptures confirm happiness as good and command our rejoicing. It is hard not to feel joyful reading all the descriptive words of fullness of joy and gladness and rejoicing.
The thing that got me the most was how do I view God? Do I see Him as happy or gloomy?
I asked my daughter (5 years old) if she thought God was happy or sad - and she responded "both. He is sad when I sin and disobey and do bad stuff. And He is happy when we obey and do good."
That was pretty eye-opening, so we had a discussion about Zeph 3 (I told her they likely would be talking about Zephaniah at Sunday school soon - and it turned out to be that Sunday:) ).
That God is supremely happy in Himself and is not based on me is so refreshing to hear. And He invites us to join Him in that joy is so encouraging.
It is good to hear that my desire for happiness is not bad. And challenging & convicting for me to consider where or in what am I seeking to find happiness?
Really recommend everyone to read this. It is a quick & easy read.
Maybe I'll read his full dissertation on the subject as well!
Really enjoyed this book. Gave a healthy perspective on happiness, and made me think a lot.
I hear this may just be an excerpt of a book, but it was lengthy enough to consider it a book - but the fact that it was short also made it enjoyable.
It is chalked full of scripture and quotes from Piper, Tozer, Keller and Lewis.
Quotes are inspiring, the Scripture is powerful.
The scriptures confirm happiness as good and command our rejoicing. It is hard not to feel joyful reading all the descriptive words of fullness of joy and gladness and rejoicing.
The thing that got me the most was how do I view God? Do I see Him as happy or gloomy?
I asked my daughter (5 years old) if she thought God was happy or sad - and she responded "both. He is sad when I sin and disobey and do bad stuff. And He is happy when we obey and do good."
That was pretty eye-opening, so we had a discussion about Zeph 3 (I told her they likely would be talking about Zephaniah at Sunday school soon - and it turned out to be that Sunday:) ).
That God is supremely happy in Himself and is not based on me is so refreshing to hear. And He invites us to join Him in that joy is so encouraging.
It is good to hear that my desire for happiness is not bad. And challenging & convicting for me to consider where or in what am I seeking to find happiness?
Really recommend everyone to read this. It is a quick & easy read.
Maybe I'll read his full dissertation on the subject as well!
January 24, 2016
This little booklet is a condensed version summarizing the content of the author’s recently released full-length book entitled, “Happiness.” He demonstrates that “happiness-seeking is built into every person.” More than that, he shows that “God’s children are told to be happy ‘before the Lord’” and that “it’s not just okay to be happy; it’s right to be happy” because God is happy and our happiness comes from Him. Other chapters help us identify “happiness-killers” and how to look “for happiness in all the right places.”
I decided to read this to get a feel for the longer book from which it’s taken and also to get a fresh perspective on happiness. Sometimes we think happiness is not godly, and of course many find their happiness in things that certainly aren’t. However, this quick survey of God’s many promises about happiness was quite encouraging and leaves me happy to read the longer book soon!
I decided to read this to get a feel for the longer book from which it’s taken and also to get a fresh perspective on happiness. Sometimes we think happiness is not godly, and of course many find their happiness in things that certainly aren’t. However, this quick survey of God’s many promises about happiness was quite encouraging and leaves me happy to read the longer book soon!
January 14, 2017
God’s Promise of Happiness, by Randy Alcorn, is based on the author’s larger work, Happiness. Still, this little book provides some thought-provoking content revealing our common misconceptions about happiness, holiness, and God. In an easy to follow question and answer format, this booklet tackles some intriguing questions. Do happiness and joy mean the same thing? Is God happy or stern? Do happiness and blessing mean the same thing? (I’m not sure I agree with him on this one.) Plus, the book is loaded with Scripture to correspond to each answer. It was a delightful read that made me think.
This review, along with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.
This review, along with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.
August 10, 2021
The Gospel is the best news we could ever get
The Church often poopoos happiness and says that God gives joy but not necessarily happiness. After reading this book, I know that Scripture states clearly and in many ways that God’s plan is good news for our lives and it includes happiness. This is a book I will put in the “Re-read section” of my library, especially when I am struggling with life’s challenges and my own mental outlook. I am very thankful to have read this book.
The Church often poopoos happiness and says that God gives joy but not necessarily happiness. After reading this book, I know that Scripture states clearly and in many ways that God’s plan is good news for our lives and it includes happiness. This is a book I will put in the “Re-read section” of my library, especially when I am struggling with life’s challenges and my own mental outlook. I am very thankful to have read this book.
December 8, 2016
"We're often taught to be careful of the difference between joy and happiness. Happiness, it is said, is an emotion that depends upon what "happens". Joy by contrast, is supposed to be enduring, stemming deep from within our soul and which is not affected by the circumstances surrounding us." -Joni Eareckson Tada
"For those who know Christ, this life is the closest we'll ever come to hell; for those who don't know Christ, it's the closest they'll ever come to Heaven." -Unknown
"For those who know Christ, this life is the closest we'll ever come to hell; for those who don't know Christ, it's the closest they'll ever come to Heaven." -Unknown
May 14, 2016
What a delightful book! Alcorn crams so much Truth and hope in 90 pages. The ideas I'm most grateful for are how he encourages Christians to look forward to the hope to come, the New Earth. For example on page 77, he said not to focus too much remembering the good ole days, instead look forward to the great new days coming.
This book was a blessing. I'm glad I read it.
This book was a blessing. I'm glad I read it.
Read
July 5, 2016Great book
Great book! It's filled with scriptures based on happiness and why we should be happy. My only critique would be the the author used a lot of different translations and I usually prefer when they stick to one, although I understand why he did it for the sake of the book.
Great book! It's filled with scriptures based on happiness and why we should be happy. My only critique would be the the author used a lot of different translations and I usually prefer when they stick to one, although I understand why he did it for the sake of the book.
December 25, 2015
Great Short Summary
I really enjoyed this short summary on what the Bible teaches on joy. I especially appreciated the explanation on the Greek and Hebrew words translated "blessed," instead of "happy."
I really enjoyed this short summary on what the Bible teaches on joy. I especially appreciated the explanation on the Greek and Hebrew words translated "blessed," instead of "happy."
December 1, 2016
Eternal life means being happy forever including now is the message I received from this. If we all lived unselfishly with this thought, our impact on this earth would be greater. Well worth the read.
May 29, 2017
More of a booklet than a book, less than 100 small pages, this is well worth reading. It clarifies what happiness is and what God wants for us.
February 24, 2016
Excellent book
Could not put this book aside and is keeping this on my Kindle to read when having nothing else to so.
Could not put this book aside and is keeping this on my Kindle to read when having nothing else to so.
March 1, 2016
Answered a few questions I had been wondering for a long time. Loved it so much looking forward to reading the full length book "Happiness"
March 17, 2016
A short book that brings out the topic of how our salvation is also linked to happiness.
May 12, 2016
Very though provoking! I was able to refer to the Bible from the scriptures that were provided in the book. Easy to read through and a great way to connect with God!
January 31, 2016
A short book about the happiness that God desires for us and where it comes from.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews