The idea that joy and happiness are synonyms can be radical to many readers. In response to a post I shared about happiness, a sincerely concerned person wrote me, “Joy, peace, and contentment do not equal happiness.” To some, the difference between the two words is as central as believing in the deity of Christ or the resurrection!

Some time ago Greg Laurie asked me to interview me about Heaven, Happiness, and Hope at his Harvest Fellowship churches in Southern California. I’ve written multiple books on the first two subjects so as I prepared I put my focus on HOPE. And God really did encourage me and renew my hope even as Nanci and I face another challenging episode in her cancer journey. 

We instinctively imagine that spending on ourselves will make us happiest. But our greatest joy actually comes when we give to others. It really is true what Jesus said: “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving” (Acts 20:35, GNT). 

In this video, Randy Alcorn and Pastor Greg Laurie discuss Heaven, happiness and the holiday season at Harvest Christian Church in Riverside, CA.

The happiness described in Scripture is all the richer because it doesn’t involve denial or pretense and can be experienced amid severe difficulty. Christ-followers don’t preach the flimsy kind of happiness that’s built on wishful thinking. Instead, our basis for happiness remains true—and sometimes becomes clearer—in suffering.

Though in my books on happiness I emphasize an understanding of happiness based on the Bible, theology, and church history, I’ve also read a dozen or so secular books on happiness. Many writers document remarkable discoveries about happiness that conform to biblical teachings—though few appear to realize the connection.

Positive life circumstances can prompt deep and emotional joy and happiness, and it’s OK to express that, as long as we remember that our ultimate happiness isn’t based on them. Speaking of good news: right now Nanci and I are rejoicing over some very positive news related to her health.

It’s common to blame the world’s suffering and unhappiness on lack of education, opportunity, or resources. If only we knew more or had more, we’d surely be better. No. Our most basic problem is just . . . sin.

Human history is the story of our desperate search for true and lasting happiness. Even those people who appear to “have it all” long for something more, and sadly, they often give up hope of ever finding contentment and joy.