The concept of happiness for the saints, or believers, in this life is deeply rooted in their obedience to God. This happiness is not merely a fleeting emotion but a profound sense of joy and contentment that arises from living in accordance with God's will and commandments. The Bible provides numerous insights into how obedience to God is a source of true happiness for His people.

Biblical Foundation

1. Joy in Obedience: The Scriptures consistently link obedience to God with joy and blessing. In the book of Psalms, the psalmist declares, "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD" (Psalm 119:1). This verse highlights the happiness that comes from living a life aligned with God's statutes.

2. The Promise of Blessing: Obedience to God is often accompanied by promises of blessing and prosperity. In Deuteronomy 28:1-2, it is written, "If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the LORD your God" . This passage underscores the direct correlation between obedience and the reception of God's blessings.

3. Peace and Security: Obedience brings peace and security, which are integral to happiness. Proverbs 1:33 states, "But whoever listens to Me will dwell in safety, secure from the fear of evil" . The assurance of safety and freedom from fear contributes to the believer's sense of well-being and happiness.

4. Intimacy with God: Obedience fosters a closer relationship with God, which is a source of profound joy. Jesus Himself said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15). This love-driven obedience results in a deeper communion with God, enhancing the believer's joy.

5. Fulfillment of Purpose: Living in obedience to God aligns the believer with their divine purpose, leading to a fulfilling and meaningful life. Ephesians 2:10 reminds believers, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life" . Fulfilling these good works brings satisfaction and happiness.

6. Freedom from Sin: Obedience liberates believers from the bondage of sin, which is a source of true happiness. Romans 6:17-18 states, "But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness" . This freedom from sin's grip allows believers to experience genuine joy.

7. Eternal Perspective: Obedience to God provides an eternal perspective that transcends earthly circumstances. In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Paul writes, "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" . This eternal focus brings a deep-seated happiness that is not dependent on temporal situations.

Practical Implications

The happiness derived from obedience to God is not passive but requires active engagement with His Word and commands. Believers are called to study the Scriptures, pray for guidance, and seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment to live obediently. This obedience is not burdensome but is a joyful response to God's love and grace.

In summary, the happiness of saints in this life is intricately connected to their obedience to God. This obedience leads to blessings, peace, intimacy with God, fulfillment of purpose, freedom from sin, and an eternal perspective, all of which contribute to a profound and lasting joy.Psalm 40:8
I delight to do your will, O my God: yes, your law is within my heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 13:17
If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Andover Orthodox Creed.
... enjoyment of GOD his supreme happiness; that this ... constitutes the essential difference
between saints and sinners ... prayer; that repentance unto life, faith to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/andover orthodox creed.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

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/

Reply to the Arguments of the Adversaries.
... But eternal life is due the justified, according to the ... as appears in Job, in Christ,
and other saints. ... teach us, which console us against the happiness of the ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 7 reply to the.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... in Christ, in whom he offers all happiness for our ... were to accumulate the sins of
his whole life, that the ... which the Lord commands, and all the saints teach by ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

Note C. --Chap. vii George Muller and his Second Conversion
... Word proves it, the experience of the saints proves it ... feeds us on the Word, our
whole life comes under ... that the two secrets of his great happiness were, his ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/note c chap vii george muller.htm

The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World
... partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light ... might arrive thither, to know
that happiness was so ... dispels this darkness, and brings life and immortality ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon viii the sun rising.htm

Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
... and finding much of their own happiness in that ... various emergencies of inward experience
and outward life. ... marvellous stories of wonder-working saints or demons ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm

Triumph Over Death and the Grave
... of his Commander, and the crown of life which He ... from which we are delivered, of
the happiness reserved in ... the riches of the inheritance of the saints in light ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xliv triumph over death.htm

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