Resources by Topic: Happiness

In this clip of an interview with Crosswalk, Randy Alcorn talks about what Jesus had to say about happiness. You can also watch the full interview. For more information, check out Randy's Happiness book. 

In this clip of an interview with Crosswalk, Randy Alcorn talks about happiness in relation to God. Is happiness honoring to God? Is God himself happy? Is it ok to pursue happiness? You can also watch the full interview. For more information, check out Randy's Happiness  book. 

In December 2015, Randy Alcorn had a Skype interview on the subject of Happiness with Crosswalk. He discusses how he has experienced happiness in harder times, the pursuit of happiness for Christians, and various other happiness topics. For more information, check out Randy's Happiness book. 

William Whitaker, who was a Puritan and a Cambridge University professor in the 16th century, spoke of “sinning away that happiness wherein we were created.” And that is a very graphic picture not only of what Adam and Eve did, but also what we who are conceived as sinners and have a sin nature do

I think the first thing we need to realize is that historically there was no such distinction in the church and in the English language. Simply look up joy in a secular dictionary, say Webster’s Dictionary, and you’ll see it defined as happiness and, happiness defined as joy. They are synonyms with overlapping meanings. 

In December 2015, Randy Alcorn spoke at Biola University's Chapel in La Mirada, CA, on the subject of Biblical Stewardship. In this clip, Randy gives his advice for those who may struggle with happiness. 

Is it possible to find genuine happiness during the Christmas season, even in the midst of the pressures? Yes. True happiness—the kind Jesus offers—is at the heart of what Christmas is all about!

It might surprise you to learn that secular studies are emphatic in their assertion that giving makes people happier. Most of the people who conduct these studies don’t realize they’re agreeing with Jesus, who said: “It is more blessed [makarios: happy-making] to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Whether we find ourselves having reason to celebrate or to mourn, there’s never a time not to express our gratitude to God. Psalm 140:13 declares, “Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name.” Giving thanks is what God’s people do.

In this interview with Susie Larson on her Live the Promise show, Randy Alcorn unpacks the joyful calling of the Christian life and the source of true happiness, identifying our real circumstances in Christ.

I heard Corrie ten Boom talk once of meeting a sadistically cruel guard from the death camp Ravensbrück, where she'd been a prisoner. As you read her account of this meeting, marvel at the Messiah's grace, and His empowerment to His people to extend that grace to others.

We hope you enjoy this holiday edition of our magazine, encouraging you to seek Christ-honoring happiness this Christmas season!

There’s a long rich, history of equating joy with happiness in Christ. In stark contrast to believers prior to the twentieth century, many modern Christians have portrayed happiness as, at best, inferior to joy and, at worst, evil. 

In October 2015, Randy Alcorn was a guest on Greg Laurie's Podcast, A New Beginning, talking about happiness.