The Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology defines joy as “happiness over an unanticipated or present good.” The Dictionary of Bible Themes defines happiness as “a state of pleasure or joy experienced both by people and by God.” Happiness is joy and joy is happiness.

Depending on the translation, the Bible uses the words happy and happiness about 30 times, while joy and rejoice appear over 300 times. Jesus told His disciples in John 13:17, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

This statement is made by Jesus to His disciples after He taught them how to serve people by "washing their feet." In other words, do what I have shown you and told you to do and you will be happy!

If God's desire is for us to be happy, why are there so many unhappy people in the church? The answer is if we "Think Like God Thinks," we will experience the happiness in life and ministry that the Lord desires for us by serving others.

Invite a friend or family member to join us as we discuss: "The Pursuit of Happiness ."