The concept of happiness for the saints, or believers, in this life is deeply rooted in the biblical principle of the fear of God. This fear is not a terror or dread but a profound reverence and awe for the Almighty, which leads to obedience, worship, and a life aligned with His will. The fear of God is foundational to the believer's joy and contentment, as it aligns the heart with divine wisdom and purpose.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently associates the fear of God with wisdom, understanding, and ultimately, happiness. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This wisdom is not merely intellectual but practical, guiding the believer in righteous living, which is a source of true happiness.

Psalm 112:1 declares, "Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments." Here, the term "blessed" can be understood as happy or fortunate, indicating that those who fear the Lord and delight in His commandments experience a profound sense of well-being and joy.

Fear of God as a Source of Joy

The fear of God leads to a life of obedience and righteousness, which is inherently fulfilling and joyful. Psalm 128:1-2 illustrates this connection: "Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways! For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours." The fear of God results in a life that is productive and satisfying, bringing about a happiness that is both spiritual and practical.

Moreover, the fear of God provides a sense of security and peace, as seen in Proverbs 14:26: "He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge." This security is a source of happiness, as it assures the believer of God's protection and provision.

The Fear of God and Contentment

The fear of God fosters contentment, as it shifts the believer's focus from worldly desires to divine satisfaction. Ecclesiastes 12:13 summarizes the purpose of life: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." In fulfilling this duty, believers find contentment and happiness, as they live in harmony with God's design.

Fear of God and the Community of Believers

The fear of God also enhances the communal life of believers, as it promotes love, unity, and mutual edification. Acts 9:31 describes the early church: "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers." The fear of God, coupled with the work of the Holy Spirit, fosters a thriving and joyful community.

Conclusion

The happiness of saints in this life, derived from the fear of God, is a profound and multifaceted experience. It encompasses wisdom, security, contentment, and communal joy, all of which are rooted in a reverent relationship with the Creator. Through the fear of God, believers find a deep and abiding happiness that transcends the fleeting pleasures of the world.Psalm 128:1,2
Blessed is every one that fears the LORD; that walks in his ways.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 28:14
Happy is the man that fears always: but he that hardens his heart shall fall into mischief.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Third Season
... It is enough, take away my life also." No: a mourner ... Indeed if you estimate the
happiness of the church by ... the Lord." It is indeed for the saints' advantage to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iii the third season.htm

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
... things which may not turn out to our happiness. ... rigid patience, they banished it
altogether from human life. ... Scripture gives saints the praise of endurance when ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter iii of bearing the.htm

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
... things which may not turn out to our happiness. ... rigid patience, they banished it
altogether from human life. ... Scripture gives saints the praise of endurance when ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of bearing the.htm

Shewing Wherein all Saving Grace Does Summarily Consist"
... Love that is in the heart of the saints in the ... or partakers of His loveliness, or
at least capable of happiness. ... of God, because He laid down His life for us ...
/.../edwards/treatise on grace/shewing wherein all saving grace.htm

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... 56, [817]57. Happiness, the gift of God, [818]121; of the saints in the
future life, [819]406, [820]407. Happiness, the, desired ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm

City of God
... Us to Worship, that We May Obtain Happiness, Wish Sacrifice ... Chapter 22.--That the
Bodies of the Saints Shall After ... 12.--Of the Era in Abraham's Life from Which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

Letter Xl to Thomas, Prior of Beverley
... 18:4), without doubt righteousness is its life; for The ... to him some foretaste of
his own future happiness, as he ... peace to His people, and to His saints, and to ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xl to thomas prior.htm

The Good Man's Life and Death
... Now, this is the true life of a Christian, its source ... Christ Jesus; and, I must add,
its happiness, and its ... The company of poor imperfect saints on earth is good ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the good mans life and.htm

On the Discoveries of Faith
... Spirit is the giver of all spiritual life; of righteousness ... in the Holy Ghost; of
holiness and happiness, by the ... and fellow-soldiers, but with the saints of all ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 110 on the discoveries.htm

Brief Memoir of Thomas Watson
... He had the happiness to be educated at Emmanuel College ... again stretched forth to
vex certain of the saints. ... few gathered to hear the message of eternal life. ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/brief memoir of thomas watson.htm

Is there a difference between joy and happiness? | GotQuestions.org

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What is a blessing according to the Bible? What does the Bible mean by bless? | GotQuestions.org

Happiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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