“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10
Bible Verses About Doing What Makes You Happy
Seeking Joy in God
When we talk about doing what makes us happy, we cannot forget the joy that comes from our relationship with God. The happiness we find in our lives is directly linked to experiencing the joy of the Lord. No matter what our circumstances might be, we have the assurance that God desires our happiness and fulfillment in Him. His joy is our strength, and through our faith, we can find true contentment and peace that surpasses all understanding.
Psalm 16:11
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” – Psalm 16:11
Nehemiah 8:10
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” – Philippians 4:4
1 Chronicles 16:27
“Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.” – 1 Chronicles 16:27
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 14:17
Prioritizing Our Happiness
Shifting our perspective to find what truly makes us happy begins with prioritizing our own joy and well-being. God encourages us to identify and pursue the things that ignite our spirits and bring us fulfillment. Happiness is not a luxury; it is a necessity, and we must actively seek it in our lives. By dedicating time to activities that uplift us and pursuing our passions, we can create a life that brings us delight and purpose in alignment with God’s will.
Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
Matthew 5:6
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” – Matthew 5:6
Proverbs 10:28
“The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.” – Proverbs 10:28
Proverbs 13:12
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” – Proverbs 13:12
Ephesians 5:19
“Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” – Ephesians 5:19
Finding Happiness in Relationships
Our happiness is often linked to our relationships with others. Building and nurturing connections with family, friends, and our church community can lead to a more joyful life. We reflect the love of Christ through our interactions and strengthen each other by sharing experiences, laughter, and love. By valuing these relationships, we can experience a deeper happiness that comes from being part of a community grounded in love and faith.
Ecclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
John 15:12
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
Philippians 2:4
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Finding Contentment in Every Circumstance
Finding happiness is not about fleeing from life’s challenges but learning to find joy within them. Every moment, even the difficult ones, carries an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper understanding. Finding contentment helps us realize that happiness does not depend on external circumstances. As we nurture our faith and understanding, we can remain anchored in our joy regardless of life’s storms.
Philippians 4:11
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” – Philippians 4:11
James 1:2
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” – James 1:2
2 Corinthians 6:10
“As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.” – 2 Corinthians 6:10
1 Timothy 6:6
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Serving Others for Happiness
Doing what makes us happy often aligns with serving others. When we pour love and kindness into the lives of those around us, we create an atmosphere of joy that uplifts both us and others. God calls us to selflessly serve, and as we follow this calling, we often find unexpected happiness in making a difference in the lives of those around us. Serving is a pathway to joy that brings us closer to our Heavenly Father.
Acts 20:35
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” – Acts 20:35
Matthew 25:40
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'” – Matthew 25:40
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Gratitude and Appreciation
Another key element to experiencing true happiness lies in gratitude. When we focus on the blessings in our lives, we begin to foster an attitude of thankfulness that leads to genuine joy. Recognizing and appreciating the good gifts God has given us reconnects us to the source of our happiness. As we cultivate gratitude in our hearts, we discover a sense of fulfillment that lasts beyond fleeting emotions.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Psalm 136:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15
Psalm 100:4
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” – Psalm 100:4
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the various aspects of doing what makes us happy, it becomes clear that our happiness is deeply rooted in our relationship with God and others. God desires us to find joy, whether it is through seeking Him, nurturing relationships, or serving others. We need to remember, too, that finding happiness is often about gratitude and contentment in every situation. When we align our lives with God’s purpose, we uncover true happiness that transcends momentary pleasures.
Let’s continue to embrace the path that leads us to joy and fulfillment. May we pursue happiness not just for ourselves, but also for those around us. Life’s journey can be uplifting and full of delight when we focus on love, service, and gratitude. I encourage you to explore more topics to read about finding joy in God and what that looks like in all areas of life.
Philippians 4:6-8 is a wonderful passage that can offer insights into striving for peace and happiness in our lives. Additionally, check out the message of strength and virtue in Proverbs 31:25-26, which further encourages us to find joy in living according to God’s will.