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Hoping for Happiness: Turning Life's Most Elusive Feeling into Lasting Reality
Everyone wants to be happy, and we all pursue happiness in different ways. Some people are thrill-seekers; others are homebodies. Some people are loners; others love big families or communities. Some people express things creatively; others consume what is created. Some sing; others listen to music. Whatever we find happiness in, we are united by our desire for work that matters and relationships that fulfil.
As Christians, we often fall into the trap of basing our hopes on earthly things, even when we know they only make us happy for a short time. But how are we to experience happiness in this life? How do we avoid expecting too much of earthly things and being disappointed, or expecting too little and becoming cynics?
In this book, recovering cynic Barnabas Piper helps us to throw off both the unrealistic expectations that end in disappointment and the guilty sense that Christians are not meant to have fun. He shows how having a clear view of the reality of the fall and the promise of redemption frees us to live a life that's grounded, hopeful and genuinely happy.
As Christians, we often fall into the trap of basing our hopes on earthly things, even when we know they only make us happy for a short time. But how are we to experience happiness in this life? How do we avoid expecting too much of earthly things and being disappointed, or expecting too little and becoming cynics?
In this book, recovering cynic Barnabas Piper helps us to throw off both the unrealistic expectations that end in disappointment and the guilty sense that Christians are not meant to have fun. He shows how having a clear view of the reality of the fall and the promise of redemption frees us to live a life that's grounded, hopeful and genuinely happy.
144 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2020
19 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Barnabas Piper
12 books1,153 followersBarnabas Piper is a pastor, author, podcaster, and speaker who lives near Nashville, Tennessee with his family. He writes regularly for He Reads Truth and blogs at BarnabasPiper.com. He has authored several books and Bible studies and also co-hosts The Happy Rant podcast, a popular show discussing issues of faith and culture in a light-hearted, humorous manner.
Barnabas's work can be found in many publications and websites. He can be heard regularly as a guest on various podcasts and speaks at churches, camps, and conferences nationwide.
Barnabas's work can be found in many publications and websites. He can be heard regularly as a guest on various podcasts and speaks at churches, camps, and conferences nationwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 1, 2020
"True happiness lies in remembering what God has said and done, so that we can rest in the hope of what God will one day do. And we remember by returning to his promises, his words, day after day for as long as it is called today." - Barnabas Piper
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to be a part of the launch team for this book. I've been a long-time listener of Piper's podcast, The Happy Rant, for about 5 years. Piper's humor and realism are what constantly bring me back episode after episode.
What I appreciate about his newest book, is that Piper offers an invitation to experience happiness. He dismisses the false dichotomy that one must choose between happiness and holiness. Piper simply and convincingly points out how that is not true. His writing tears down the "evangeliguilt" that Reformed Christians have been conditioned to experience. He also attacks the other tendency to only pursue happiness by pain avoidance and the denial of sorrow, anger, loss, and injustice. I find his "happy realism" to be refreshing and life-giving.
This book is practical because it suggests that the way forward is a reframing of our pursuit of happiness. We need to acknowledge the temporal nature that colors much of our grasping for happiness. Our main problem is that we hang our happiness on work, people, hobbies, experiences, and feelings that cannot support the weight of our expectations. We can still rightly enjoy them, but only if we recognize these things as from God. When our enjoyment can be used to stir our affections for the LORD, then our disappointment will be far less. Our happiness also needs to be rooted in the remembrance of God's promises and the reality of his truth. A posture of gratefulness, trust, humility, and appreciation will firmly ground us in reality. This does not remove pain, hardship, or sorrow, but it lessens the power. When we lift our eyes toward the Cross, we are reminded of God's incredible love for us. Towards the end of the book, Piper spends most of his time in Ecclesiastes. He remarks that "The message of Ecclesiastes is not: Happiness is unattainable, but rather, Happiness is attainable only if understood and pursued rightly."
I found this book to be helpful in realigning my heart towards the Lord. I expect and pray that Piper's writings will stir your affections to the Lord.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to be a part of the launch team for this book. I've been a long-time listener of Piper's podcast, The Happy Rant, for about 5 years. Piper's humor and realism are what constantly bring me back episode after episode.
What I appreciate about his newest book, is that Piper offers an invitation to experience happiness. He dismisses the false dichotomy that one must choose between happiness and holiness. Piper simply and convincingly points out how that is not true. His writing tears down the "evangeliguilt" that Reformed Christians have been conditioned to experience. He also attacks the other tendency to only pursue happiness by pain avoidance and the denial of sorrow, anger, loss, and injustice. I find his "happy realism" to be refreshing and life-giving.
This book is practical because it suggests that the way forward is a reframing of our pursuit of happiness. We need to acknowledge the temporal nature that colors much of our grasping for happiness. Our main problem is that we hang our happiness on work, people, hobbies, experiences, and feelings that cannot support the weight of our expectations. We can still rightly enjoy them, but only if we recognize these things as from God. When our enjoyment can be used to stir our affections for the LORD, then our disappointment will be far less. Our happiness also needs to be rooted in the remembrance of God's promises and the reality of his truth. A posture of gratefulness, trust, humility, and appreciation will firmly ground us in reality. This does not remove pain, hardship, or sorrow, but it lessens the power. When we lift our eyes toward the Cross, we are reminded of God's incredible love for us. Towards the end of the book, Piper spends most of his time in Ecclesiastes. He remarks that "The message of Ecclesiastes is not: Happiness is unattainable, but rather, Happiness is attainable only if understood and pursued rightly."
I found this book to be helpful in realigning my heart towards the Lord. I expect and pray that Piper's writings will stir your affections to the Lord.
October 23, 2020
Earlier this year, I reviewed another Barnabas Piper book, and I enjoyed it so much that as soon as I learned about this book, I knew that I wanted to read it too. Once again, I enjoyed Piper's writing voice and sense of humor, and I deeply relate to his efforts to be a hopeful realist. This book is full of honest, wise advice and solid biblical teaching, and even though Piper's writing especially resonates with me because of my personality, this book can encourage any Christian. Piper shares lots of insights about managing expectations, not staking our hopes to things that will inevitably fail us, and dealing with trials, and he writes stirringly about how we can honor God by deeply enjoying His good gifts.
Piper pushes back against falsely pious perspectives that deny the importance of happiness. In the chapter "Evangeliguilt," he writes about how wrong it is for evangelical Christians to feel guilty and apologetic for enjoying things, as if God's good gifts are shallow and unimportant. He also challenges the platitude that God cares about our holiness, not our happiness. He shows based on Scripture and life experience why this true-sounding statement is misleading and damaging, and provides a better way forward from this false dichotomy.
There is something here for every Christian, regardless of their personality or tendencies. Whether someone is blindly optimistic, stuck in a rut of cynicism, dealing with crushed hopes, or afraid that their happiness is an offense to a suffering world, this book is full of strong Scriptural advice and life encouragement. This book is an encouraging, clear-eyed guide that acknowledges the best and worst of life, helping Christians find both temporal and eternal joy in God and His good creation.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Piper pushes back against falsely pious perspectives that deny the importance of happiness. In the chapter "Evangeliguilt," he writes about how wrong it is for evangelical Christians to feel guilty and apologetic for enjoying things, as if God's good gifts are shallow and unimportant. He also challenges the platitude that God cares about our holiness, not our happiness. He shows based on Scripture and life experience why this true-sounding statement is misleading and damaging, and provides a better way forward from this false dichotomy.
There is something here for every Christian, regardless of their personality or tendencies. Whether someone is blindly optimistic, stuck in a rut of cynicism, dealing with crushed hopes, or afraid that their happiness is an offense to a suffering world, this book is full of strong Scriptural advice and life encouragement. This book is an encouraging, clear-eyed guide that acknowledges the best and worst of life, helping Christians find both temporal and eternal joy in God and His good creation.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2023
Very well done! I really enjoy his writing style and loved the content.
No spoilers but at least a taste. Piper uses a phrase that he calls “Evangeliguilt,” in that many Christians fear being happy. They use false dichotomies like “we need to be holy and not happy,” as if the dichotomy is true. Yet Piper lays a clear and Biblical argument that it is not only untrue, but that holiness and happiness are eternally bound in our Triune God.
Solid work.
No spoilers but at least a taste. Piper uses a phrase that he calls “Evangeliguilt,” in that many Christians fear being happy. They use false dichotomies like “we need to be holy and not happy,” as if the dichotomy is true. Yet Piper lays a clear and Biblical argument that it is not only untrue, but that holiness and happiness are eternally bound in our Triune God.
Solid work.
October 6, 2020
I always enjoy seeing Barnabas come out with a new book. I’ve been challenged and encouraged from his previous books. Barnabas’s new book, Hoping For Happiness, challenges the idea that Christians should seek joy. He offers instead a biblical framework for living a grounded, hopeful, and genuinely happy life. The book was a challenging and wonderful read.
December 10, 2020
*4.25*
It’s all about balance. Piper wants us to find the sweet spot between a hypocritical theology of only “joy” and just being pleasure-seekers. He does a good job finding the middle ground and rooting it in God and the Bible.
I would just say it is a tiny bit simplistic if you are a well-read Christian.
It’s all about balance. Piper wants us to find the sweet spot between a hypocritical theology of only “joy” and just being pleasure-seekers. He does a good job finding the middle ground and rooting it in God and the Bible.
I would just say it is a tiny bit simplistic if you are a well-read Christian.
October 12, 2020
This book is an incredible encouragement in an age of unhappiness. Piper takes on popular Christian misconceptions about happiness on the way toward showing us what God-glorifying happiness can look like. God is not honored by Evangeliguilt. God does want you to be both Holy and Happy. Our attempts to separate joy and happiness often leave us joyless and unhappy. These truths and more are examined through the light of scripture. The picture that emerges is one of purposeful happiness in the good gifts God gives. We need this book right now.
October 14, 2020
Yes. That is the answer to your question, "should I read this book?" Yes. Piper deals with the reality of life, with an very raw, real, and faithful look at Ecclesiastes, how the Christian has a hope of future happiness in God and, yet, a real hope of happiness now. The final chapter is well worth the purchase and read through this book. I highly recommend Hoping for Happiness.
November 6, 2020
Pretty sure this is my favorite of Barnabas’s books (and I’ve given them all 5 stars, so...) It’s well-written, thoughtful, and compelling as always, but my favorite thing about his writing is that he doesn’t place himself in a position of authority/expertise and condescend to teach the rest of us. These are clearly hard-fought battles and honest ongoing struggles for him. So much more helpful than theoretical “experts.” This is a gem.
October 9, 2020
I just had the opportunity to read/listen the new book by Barnabas Piper about happiness, (as you all may know, this is not a very common topic for me to read about). I enjoyed the clarity and simplicity Barnabas had to share his ideas, and that he point you to the fountain of life: Jesus. I enjoy audiobooks most when the audio is recorded by the author, everything changes when they add their own tone and style (you can find it in ONE Audiobooks). It is very uplifting to listen an author, their process and vulnerability while writing.
I would like to say to Barnabas is this, and leave it here on my blog so I can remember:
Thank you, Barnabas. Something happened while I was reading. I´m going through several processes in my life and for some reason, I wanted to read your book. I had several "aha" moments deep thoughts around your ideas, and I´m thankful for it because you ignited those, it was very helpful. I really like it when someone shares his voice even when they come from a family with other authors and that may be intimidating. I can relate in many things. I´m amazed how you were able to overcome all the trash people throws after a divorce, or comparison, (even when they don´t know you or know how hard it is to start again). You have keep going and I admire that, it is a great example to me in several other areas. I had never ever read about "Evangeliguilt", but it was kind of fun to read about it and also helpful to know how to "call" it (I´m not sure if you created or not the word). As I read/heard your content I was encouraged to keep my eyes on Jesus, leave behind all the burdens, to carry on with the best attitude and thankfulness no matter what, keep going even if I fall, not to think everything is said and done, and to remember the Word and Love of God is forever. Holiness and happiness coexist. We must show it.
I would like to say to Barnabas is this, and leave it here on my blog so I can remember:
Thank you, Barnabas. Something happened while I was reading. I´m going through several processes in my life and for some reason, I wanted to read your book. I had several "aha" moments deep thoughts around your ideas, and I´m thankful for it because you ignited those, it was very helpful. I really like it when someone shares his voice even when they come from a family with other authors and that may be intimidating. I can relate in many things. I´m amazed how you were able to overcome all the trash people throws after a divorce, or comparison, (even when they don´t know you or know how hard it is to start again). You have keep going and I admire that, it is a great example to me in several other areas. I had never ever read about "Evangeliguilt", but it was kind of fun to read about it and also helpful to know how to "call" it (I´m not sure if you created or not the word). As I read/heard your content I was encouraged to keep my eyes on Jesus, leave behind all the burdens, to carry on with the best attitude and thankfulness no matter what, keep going even if I fall, not to think everything is said and done, and to remember the Word and Love of God is forever. Holiness and happiness coexist. We must show it.
October 27, 2020
How can anyone expect to be happy at the end of this year? Barnabas Piper is aware of the world that we live in, and in Hoping for Happiness, he provides a biblical framework for living a grounded, hopeful, and genuinely happy life.
Hopes and Dreams
Work that matters and relational fulfillment are the dreams of today. Piper says that we can discover a happiness that is better than what our dreams have promised us. Every disappointment leads to unmet expectations. But we can find “just right” expectations that rest in Godly realism.
I was most moved when Piper described our dreams as hanging on hooks. But these hooks cannot bear the weight of our dreams. They’re the wrong hooks for the job, and the hooks are broken. I was able to see my own hopes and dreams in a new light, and I am eager to bring my expectations in alignment with God’s Word.
Actions and Expectations
We should shape our actions and expectations according to reality as God intends it to be. We can combat “evangeliguilt” - a term Piper uses to describe a Christian killjoy mindset that disables us to enjoy good things - with real-life freedom in Christ. And Jesus is our anchor in the storms, sufferings, troubles, and trials of life. He is our hope, even in death.
Piper speaks from his own experience. He speaks frankly about job loss and divorce, and he is quick to acknowledge his own sin. I saw myself and my own trappings, but felt encouraged and excited at what Christ can accomplish.
God and Reality
This book stays steady in Scripture. Psalm 16 plays a critical role in chapter 9, where Piper shows how God wants us to be happy and holy. And in a moving chapter 11, I was reminded that God loves me in any situation. These truths are solid ground, fuel for our future, and hope for our happiness.
I received a media copy of Hoping for Happiness and this is my honest review.
Hopes and Dreams
Work that matters and relational fulfillment are the dreams of today. Piper says that we can discover a happiness that is better than what our dreams have promised us. Every disappointment leads to unmet expectations. But we can find “just right” expectations that rest in Godly realism.
I was most moved when Piper described our dreams as hanging on hooks. But these hooks cannot bear the weight of our dreams. They’re the wrong hooks for the job, and the hooks are broken. I was able to see my own hopes and dreams in a new light, and I am eager to bring my expectations in alignment with God’s Word.
Actions and Expectations
We should shape our actions and expectations according to reality as God intends it to be. We can combat “evangeliguilt” - a term Piper uses to describe a Christian killjoy mindset that disables us to enjoy good things - with real-life freedom in Christ. And Jesus is our anchor in the storms, sufferings, troubles, and trials of life. He is our hope, even in death.
Piper speaks from his own experience. He speaks frankly about job loss and divorce, and he is quick to acknowledge his own sin. I saw myself and my own trappings, but felt encouraged and excited at what Christ can accomplish.
God and Reality
This book stays steady in Scripture. Psalm 16 plays a critical role in chapter 9, where Piper shows how God wants us to be happy and holy. And in a moving chapter 11, I was reminded that God loves me in any situation. These truths are solid ground, fuel for our future, and hope for our happiness.
I received a media copy of Hoping for Happiness and this is my honest review.
April 14, 2022
God wants you to be happy. If you’re like me, you probably just cringed with the overwhelming impulse to gush out, “God wants you to be holy, not happy!”
Some people struggle with justifying their sin or idolizing pleasure. While I have my moments, this is not my natural bend. This book is for those of us Christians who more believe that godliness is next to misery… that maybe God gives us happy and beautiful things just to take them away in order to teach us something… that if you’re truly happy, you must not be honoring God. You must be doing something wrong.
Barnabas Piper, whose father coined the term “Christian Hedonism,” organically peels back the layers of this thinking. He begins by describing the basis for happiness and joy, then discusses how God’s good gifts fit into the picture with daily blessings, deep joys, and deep pain. In a difficult season, this book may be difficult to read simply because some of his answers may be taken as “look on the bright side!” But he earnestly strives to avoid this pitfall, and his tactful handling of joy in suffering is proof of that.
He ends with a brief overview of the beauty of Ecclesiastes which encourages the reader to give this seemingly dower book a second look.
Some people struggle with justifying their sin or idolizing pleasure. While I have my moments, this is not my natural bend. This book is for those of us Christians who more believe that godliness is next to misery… that maybe God gives us happy and beautiful things just to take them away in order to teach us something… that if you’re truly happy, you must not be honoring God. You must be doing something wrong.
Barnabas Piper, whose father coined the term “Christian Hedonism,” organically peels back the layers of this thinking. He begins by describing the basis for happiness and joy, then discusses how God’s good gifts fit into the picture with daily blessings, deep joys, and deep pain. In a difficult season, this book may be difficult to read simply because some of his answers may be taken as “look on the bright side!” But he earnestly strives to avoid this pitfall, and his tactful handling of joy in suffering is proof of that.
He ends with a brief overview of the beauty of Ecclesiastes which encourages the reader to give this seemingly dower book a second look.
October 1, 2020
“Dreams are the wishes our hearts make but our hearts are not reliable guides “
Piper sets out from the beginning to help address our deepest desires and needs.
One of my favorite chapters in the book shows that expecting lasting happiness from sinful or temporal things will never truly satisfy. Even expecting the wrong things from God will lead to unhappiness.
Piper builds upon deep theological truths from scripture and other Christian authors and applies them practically. He uses his own experiences to help readers have a better grasp and better application for their own lives.
Piper’s book, combines biblical truth with practical wisdom and personal experiences, even adding pop cultural references to help us better understand how true happiness is possible.
Happiness is attainable and Piper helps direct us to the right sign posts to guide us in this journey of life. Piper helps us to see down the paths that lead nowhere good and points us to those that lead to everlasting joy and a day-to-day life with hope and happiness. Excellent and easy read with deep truths pointing us to Christ.
Piper sets out from the beginning to help address our deepest desires and needs.
One of my favorite chapters in the book shows that expecting lasting happiness from sinful or temporal things will never truly satisfy. Even expecting the wrong things from God will lead to unhappiness.
Piper builds upon deep theological truths from scripture and other Christian authors and applies them practically. He uses his own experiences to help readers have a better grasp and better application for their own lives.
Piper’s book, combines biblical truth with practical wisdom and personal experiences, even adding pop cultural references to help us better understand how true happiness is possible.
Happiness is attainable and Piper helps direct us to the right sign posts to guide us in this journey of life. Piper helps us to see down the paths that lead nowhere good and points us to those that lead to everlasting joy and a day-to-day life with hope and happiness. Excellent and easy read with deep truths pointing us to Christ.
October 6, 2020
In his book Hoping for Happiness, Barnabas Piper makes a bold claim: “God wants you to be happy.”
“This can be a difficult statement to believe,” he continues. We often believe that happiness is incompatible with the Christian life, or that we’re unworthy to experience happiness. But Piper explodes both beliefs in this book.
God has filled the earth with good, pleasurable things designed for our happiness. We’re meant to enjoy them without expecting them to deliver lasting happiness. Piper describes what we can expect from earth’s pleasures, why “even the richest, happiest moments for us are interspersed with drudgery, pain, frustration, sadness, and loss,” but why “the world still has God’s fingerprints all over it and tendrils of Eden woven through it.”
Piper isn’t writing out of academic interest. He’s writing as someone who’s suffered, who’s tired of feeling guilty for longing for happiness. He’s honest in this book about his longings and doubts. He also does a good job of handling Scripture as he pursues the truth about happiness.
He argues for happiness through holiness, a grounded happiness that we can hold onto throughout the difficulties of life.
“This can be a difficult statement to believe,” he continues. We often believe that happiness is incompatible with the Christian life, or that we’re unworthy to experience happiness. But Piper explodes both beliefs in this book.
God has filled the earth with good, pleasurable things designed for our happiness. We’re meant to enjoy them without expecting them to deliver lasting happiness. Piper describes what we can expect from earth’s pleasures, why “even the richest, happiest moments for us are interspersed with drudgery, pain, frustration, sadness, and loss,” but why “the world still has God’s fingerprints all over it and tendrils of Eden woven through it.”
Piper isn’t writing out of academic interest. He’s writing as someone who’s suffered, who’s tired of feeling guilty for longing for happiness. He’s honest in this book about his longings and doubts. He also does a good job of handling Scripture as he pursues the truth about happiness.
He argues for happiness through holiness, a grounded happiness that we can hold onto throughout the difficulties of life.
October 8, 2020
If you are a fan of Piper’s previous works, you will not be disappointed. Even more so, this book offers a timely message during the craziness of this year. He addresses the varied degrees of expectations and explores both high expectations and having no expectations. In turn, he explains and encourages the reader to define expectations by truth.
In one of my favorite quotes from the book, Piper wrote, “Our incomplete, marred, temporary happiness looks ahead to that day. But being incomplete, marred, and temporary doesn’t make it a farce. In Jesus our happiness is deep and real, even as we face the troubles of life.”
As with previous books, it is clear that Piper’s own experiences, struggles, and questions are driving his writing. In every line of the book, I could feel the passion behind the pen. There is a special comfort in reading words written out of purpose rather than for the sake of a new publication.
In one of my favorite quotes from the book, Piper wrote, “Our incomplete, marred, temporary happiness looks ahead to that day. But being incomplete, marred, and temporary doesn’t make it a farce. In Jesus our happiness is deep and real, even as we face the troubles of life.”
As with previous books, it is clear that Piper’s own experiences, struggles, and questions are driving his writing. In every line of the book, I could feel the passion behind the pen. There is a special comfort in reading words written out of purpose rather than for the sake of a new publication.
July 19, 2023
This book gets better with each chapter. It took me a bit to get into it because the first two chapters struck me as “self help.” Later on, Barnabas goes into greater depth. He brings up a lot of deep points in such concise, salient ways. Topics addressed include whether joy and happiness are two different things, the false dichotomy between happiness and holiness, how we often misapply God’s promises in Scriptures, and the false piety of asceticism.
This book can easily be read in one sitting. Piper’s writing style is smooth and easily digestible. I wish the book were longer and maybe had some more practical applications. He ends the book by saying he doesn’t like when books have a final chapter with practical advice, but for a subject like this, it would have been helpful.
This is a book I can see myself rereading, and I usually do not reread Christian books other than commentaries.
This book can easily be read in one sitting. Piper’s writing style is smooth and easily digestible. I wish the book were longer and maybe had some more practical applications. He ends the book by saying he doesn’t like when books have a final chapter with practical advice, but for a subject like this, it would have been helpful.
This is a book I can see myself rereading, and I usually do not reread Christian books other than commentaries.
August 6, 2021
If you're a Christian, you've probably heard the line in some fashion: God is more interested in your holiness than your happiness. Piper does a wonderful job explaining why this is wrong and showing how God desires happiness for his children.
This happiness is not an "anything goes" happiness, however; but a happiness rooted deeply in holiness in Jesus. Our delight in the temporal, momentary things God gives us in his goodness is rooted in our relationship with him and the eternal delights he promises us.
The world needs more truly, deeply happy Christians as a witness to our Gospel hope. Piper's book will help you in that pursuit.
This happiness is not an "anything goes" happiness, however; but a happiness rooted deeply in holiness in Jesus. Our delight in the temporal, momentary things God gives us in his goodness is rooted in our relationship with him and the eternal delights he promises us.
The world needs more truly, deeply happy Christians as a witness to our Gospel hope. Piper's book will help you in that pursuit.
October 1, 2020
Does God really only care about our holiness and not our happiness? In Hoping for Happiness Barnabas Piper reconstructs biblical happiness and shows us how God actually wants us to be happy. In this quick and surprisingly transparent read, we are warned of many “weak hooks” we often hang our happiness on, but we’re also given promise after promise made by Jesus that produces authentic happiness in our hearts. Our world is often a sad place, but this book points us to the source of true happiness-Jesus.
October 13, 2020
So many people spend their lives searching for happiness. People search for it in money, in possessions, in relationships and in all sorts of things. That search for happiness doesn’t stop when you become a Christian. But often Christians can be wracked with guilt and feel as if they aren’t allowed to be happy. This book will lift your eyes to see Jesus, to see the beauty and effects of the gospel and the glorious future that awaits those who trust in Jesus. True happiness is not found in material possessions, but it is found in the person of Jesus Christ.
November 19, 2020
What an excellent read! I found this book very insightful, and helpful. I have been wrestling, very recently, with finding the tension between the pursuit of holiness and of happiness. To some people in my life it is impossible to have both, and I have struggled with how to live a life that displayed both in harmony. “If we remove happiness from holiness, pursuing the things of God becomes drudgery. It is a grind.”(105) God gave us gifts in this life to enjoy. We are allowed to enjoy them to the fullest, while giving God the gratitude that he so much deserves.
January 1, 2021
Solid book. Barnabas Piper has written a helpful book that examines the Christian’s understanding of happiness—a happiness rooted in the Gospel. He also encourages his readers to have biblical expectations for temporal happiness. We must recognize both the gifts of God given in the here and now, while never forgetting the reality that “in this world you will have trouble.”
Recommended.
Postscript: This was a quick read for me, and the concepts presented are known to me. But Piper presents them well and I hope his book will reach a new generation of believers.
Recommended.
Postscript: This was a quick read for me, and the concepts presented are known to me. But Piper presents them well and I hope his book will reach a new generation of believers.
September 30, 2020
A very much needed book not just because of our external circumstances and COVID-19 but because of our constant battles and guilt over the true pursuit of happiness. Piper helps us look at happiness and holiness. Not as competition but in tandem. This book has convicted where it needed to convict me and has certainly encouraged me. Thoroughly scriptural and practical.
October 1, 2020
I've never read any of Barnabas Piper's books before, but I certainly want to now! He has a gift for clear, and humble communication, and I enjoyed his style. We all want to be happy, but it can seem so elusive to find and hold onto happiness. This book helps give a biblical framework for true happiness, and I would recommend it. .... it's perfect for the corona-coaster year of 2020!!
January 3, 2021
This book was short, to the point, and made me examine what I’ve been taught about happiness and what Scripture actually says. Barnabas shows the flaws in what has been taught in evangelical environments with holiness vs. happiness. I listened on audio but I think I would like to reread it and mark up/commonplace many sections from this book.
January 16, 2021
The first several chapters were not "happy"; however, since I'm a mature Christian I know that doesn't mean it's not worth sticking with it. I'm glad I did, because Piper did a great job of explaining biblical happiness. A really good read.
March 8, 2021
This book scratches an itch I've always experienced in christian circles. This book shows that the gospel is offers much deeper joy than than hand-wringing, alarmist christianity and plastic smile everything's great christianity. It's helpful and practical, especially coming out of 2020.
January 1, 2022
Some great insight from Piper on how to think about happiness this side of heaven. If you've ever believed that "God doesn't care about your happiness, He cares about your holiness," then you ought to read this. It was a great adjustment for me on this line of thinking.
February 17, 2023
I saw another review that mentioned re-reading & I think I’d like to keep this one on an annual rotation! Such a grounding discussion on how we can (and can fail to) pursue lasting happiness. I’m glad Barnabas is a realist; I’m a dreamer and need the honesty!
October 29, 2020
Need to read again
November 3, 2020
I needdd ghost one right. Is.
November 4, 2020
I listened to this book and enjoyed it. I do want to re-listen. I wasn't wowed by it, but I wonder if it is because of the way it was read. Not sure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews